Craig Murray: A Very Peculiar Triumph
Consortium NewsOct 23
China Holds Large-Scale Maritime Drill Near Taiwan
Above:Â The formation of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning carries out training in the high seas in late October 2024. Â Image copyright:Â Pu Haiyang/Contributor/Xinhua via Getty Images
The Facts
Taiwan Tuesday alleged that China has deployed 90 naval and coast guard vessels across a vast region, making it Beijing's largest military exercise in decades near Taiwan. It called the drill China's "red line" message to the US.
Sparked reportedly by Taiwanese Pres. Lai Ching-te's visits to Pacific island nations and a stopover in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam last week, the drill includes approximately 53 military aircraft and 19 ships.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
China's aggressive maneuvers around Taiwan signal a perilous dance on the brink of conflict. With warplanes swarming and military exercises intensifying, the island democracy stands vulnerable. The stakes are monumental — not just Taiwan's survival, but the future of global democracy and economic stability.
Pro-China narrative
China is simply asserting its sovereign right to conduct military exercises within the framework of the one-China policy, viewing them as a necessary defense against separatist movements and foreign interference — especially that of the US-led West. Amid escalating tensions, Beijing remains resolute in protecting its territorial integrity, warning that provocations by Taiwan's independence forces will only accelerate its own potential downfall.
