On April 1, 2025, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) initiated joint military exercises around Taiwan island, an event that was humorously noted by a Taiwan-based news outlet as “not an April Fool's joke.” These exercises have left some local media and citizens in Taiwan shocked and concerned, directing frustration towards the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its actions which they believe are threatening peace across the Taiwan Strait.
According to Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, the drills focused on enhancing combat readiness in both sea and air operations. Various branches of the military, including the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces, collaborated to perform maneuvers that involved encircling Taiwan and blocking critical sea routes to bolster their operational capabilities. Shi emphasized that these exercises are designed as a stern caution against those in Taiwan advocating for independence.
On the same day, the Eastern Theater Command released a video named "Subdue Demons and Vanquish Evils," drawing parallels between the combat strength of the PLA and the legendary figure Sun Wukong. This video showcased the ability of the PLA to identify targets in Taiwan using the Beidou satellite positioning system, marking the first time such an aerial perspective of Taipei was presented. While some pro-independence outlets downplayed the implications of these military drills, broader media scrutiny in Taiwan acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
Concerns over the implications of the military exercises were echoed across various news platforms. Local reactions reflected a mix of apprehension and criticism directed at the DPP's stance on independence. Some commentators highlighted the absence of a codename for the exercises as an indication of their routine nature, while others stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation in military tensions.
Taiwanese officials have reacted by activating contingency measures in anticipation of potential threats from the PLA, asserting their commitment to maintaining peace and avoiding confrontational conflicts. Reports noted that Taiwanese defense authorities detected PLA Navy vessels, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, entering their response zone, prompting a cautious but prepared military stance.
Reactions from private citizens and defense experts indicated a feeling of helplessness among the Taiwanese people, as some questioned whether the DPP truly understood the military dynamics at play, given Taiwan's limited capacity to engage in armed conflict with mainland forces. The sentiment across various discussions highlighted the perceived increased risk to Taiwan's safety, with calls for peace initiatives becoming more pronounced in light of the military exercises.
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