In a recent development, China has carried out live-firing drills around Taiwan in a series of military exercises. These military exercises have been named Justice Mission 2025 and have been the largest demonstration to date, as reported by Reuters. These actions come in the aftermath of the United State’s announcement of an $11 million arms deal with Taiwan. According to the New York Times, this proposal involving artillery rocket systems holding powerful high-mobility potential. This adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing “war games”- however, U.S. President Donald Trump has denied the threat of these drills, maintaining a close relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping that influences his confidence in the matter, according to Reuters. However, many are left skeptical of the implications of these drills. 

Stakeholders have voiced conflicting opinions on the intentions and implications of these drills carried out by China. Aside from Trump, U.S. officials fear future conflict that may come of this development. House of Representatives chair John Moolenaar declared China’s actions a “deliberate escalation…seeking to reshape the regional order through aggression and intimidation,” according to Reuters. This shows that all may not be as harmonious as President Trump declares with China and its affairs. However, according to Reuters, China’s military holds its narrative that the drills were only intended to deter external intervention. With this comes criticism from the Taiwanese government stating that the Chinese government is “the biggest destroyer of peace…[as] they seek to reshape the international order according to their own agenda,” as reported by CBC. This back and forth narrative only leaves more confusion and a lack of clarity for the international community. 

Although the Chinese government continues to claim that these drills do not hold harmful intentions, it is important to acknowledge the concerns from Taiwanese and U.S. officials. When it comes to allegations of a disruption of peace and possible conflict, it is important to be on alert to hold governments accountable. Greater transparency into the intentions and plans of the Chinese government may provide more clarity on the severity of these new developments, particularly as Taiwan continues advocating for the right to decide its future, according to CBC. A continuation of these so-called “war games” and the denial of an ulterior agenda may escalate matters between the stakeholders. 

This recent development is not an isolated incident, as Taiwan and China have a complicated history leading to current tensions. Although Taiwan has been operating as an independent entity since almost 1950, the Chinese government refutes its autonomy. As reported by the BBC, it has taken lengths to diplomatically isolate the so-called “rebel region”. Over the years, China’s leaders have not given up this standpoint that Taiwan is Beijing’s territory, according to the New York Times. This holds many important implications for recent developments of China’s actions. As stated by the New York Times, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has the intention of applying pressure to Taiwan, even to take it forcefully- a troubling scenario that would leave the two nations in further turmoil and the facade of peace fully dismantled. 

At first glance, this new development may be seen as a routine operation, as President Trump and Chinese officials have claimed. However given the context of the stakeholders involved, it is important to stay vigilant and aware of what consequences may result. It is fundamental to not gloss over the threat to peace that may be associated with China’s intentions regarding Taiwan. More seemingly routine operations may be used to mask ulterior motives that lead to conflict, unrest and division. Examining and contextualizing developments such as this one can help bring forth greater transparency, pushing international politicians to stand against a “business as usual” narrative of complacency.