China Ramps Up Military Pressure on Taiwan under President Lai's Pro-Independence Stance

China Increases Military Pressure on Taiwan under President Lai

Since President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2022, the average daily number of Chinese military aircraft incursions into airspace around Taiwan has more than doubled. This data, analyzed by the Yomiuri Shimbun from materials released by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, indicates a significant increase in China's military pressure against the island nation.

The analysis covers the period from August 6, 2022, during the second half of former President Tsai Ing-wen's term, to the end of January 2023. It reveals that the daily average number of Chinese military aircraft crossing the median line or entering Taiwan's claimed air defense identification zone (ADIZ) jumped from 5.0 to 10.6 after Lai took office.

This increase suggests that the Chinese military is focusing its activities closer to Taiwan. Additionally, the daily average number of Chinese naval vessels spotted in the Taiwan Strait and adjacent seas also rose from 5.2 to 8.1 during the same period. Notably, vessels of the China Coast Guard, often referred to as China's "second navy," have become a frequent presence in the area.

The Yomiuri Shimbun attributes this escalation to China's hostility towards President Lai, who has openly described himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence." This stance contrasts with his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, who advocated for maintaining the status quo in the China-Taiwan relationship.

The analysis also highlights China's response to President Lai's addresses in May and October 2022, where he referred to China directly. Following these speeches, the Chinese military conducted drills in areas surrounding Taiwan, deploying a large number of aircraft and vessels.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense believes that China's actions aim to "show off to other countries that the Taiwan Strait is within its territory and intimidate Taiwan." This increased military pressure underscores the complex and evolving dynamics between China and Taiwan.