Is China- Taiwan War imminent? Taipei scrambles fighter jets after being surrounded by Chinese ships. What will US do?

Is there a war that is breaking out in the Taiwan Strait between China and Taiwan? The situation is serious with Taiwan and certain islands controlled by it being surrounded by China’s Eastern Theatre Command. This development comes days after the new President Lai Ching-Te assumed office in Taiwan. He earlier issued a warning to the Chinese mainland to recognize Taiwan and stop its aggressive actions.

What is happening?
It has been reported by multiple news agencies that 42 Chinese military aircraft have surrounded Taiwan and 28 have breached the Air Defense Identification Zone of Taiwan. This is in addition to 15 naval ships and 16 Coast Guard ships that have surrounded the break-away island. The Chinese have surrounded not only Taiwan from the North, South and East but also the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqui and Dongyin which are controlled by Taiwan.


How is Taiwan responding to this situation?
Taiwan has also deployed its supersonic missile Hsiung Feng-3, anti-ship missile batteries and air defense systems. Another source has reported that the two sides are presently engaged in a face-to-face stand-off. The situation is dynamic.

Chinese objectives
The exercise by the Chinese Eastern Theatre Command has been named the 'Joint Sword 2024-A'. It aims at developing joint operability between the air force and the navy of China. These exercises will held for two days from May 23.

Further, China’s state-controlled 'Global Times' has reported that this exercise aims to punish the ‘separatist forces’ and aims to be ready to strike the island from multiple directions.

What are the issues between Taiwan and China?
Historically, the fight between the Kuomintang Party (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party beginning in 1921 ended in 1949 with the KMT escaping to Taiwan. This led to a separate state of Taiwan being established. Some countries have recognized Taiwan with many withdrawing diplomatic recognition in recent times under Chinese pressure.

China considers Taiwan to be a part of its country and seeks to reunify the island with the mainland.


Is a war imminent?
Presently, it is unlikely that a war will break out between the two countries. This is not the first time that these exercises have been carried out.

FAQs:

1. What is the capital of Taiwan?
The capital is Taipei City. The country is a democracy. The country has the support of the US and other countries.

2. What is the Taiwan Relations Act?
This is a US Legislation. This requires the US to provide arms to Taiwan and assist it in any conflict with China.