China stages unannounced Pacific drills in 'silent intimidation' of Taiwan, officials say
China conducted large-scale, unannounced military drills around Taiwan in early November, involving over 100 vessels and simulated attacks. Officials in Taipei described the maneuvers as 'silent intimidation' intended to pressure Taiwan ahead of international diplomatic events.
Why it matters
The increased frequency and scale of Chinese military exercises heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait and raise concerns about regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
A Navy miniature is seen in front of displayed Chinese and Taiwanese flags in this illustration taken, April 11, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard
TAIPEI, Nov 13 (Reuters) - China carried out a large, unannounced military exercise across the western Pacific and around Taiwan in early November, in what officials in Taipei have described as a campaign of "silent intimidation" aimed at pressuring Taiwan and other governments before major international meetings.
A senior Taiwan security official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said China's military and coast guard had at one point massed more than 100 vessels in the region early this month, conducting drills that included simulated attacks on other militaries and cities including Taiwan's.
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