The report, titled "Special Report: Surprise PRC Military Exercise Around Taiwan - Institute for the Study of War," was published on December 20, 2023, and provides a detailed analysis of the exercise and its implications for regional security. The exercise, which was conducted in November, was a significant display of China's military capabilities and its willingness to use force to assert its claims in the Taiwan Strait.
Chinese Military Build-up in the Taiwan Strait
The exercise involved a large-scale deployment of Chinese naval and air forces in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters. The report estimates that over 50 Chinese warships and submarines were involved in the exercise, including destroyers, frigates, and submarines. The Chinese air force also participated in the exercise, with multiple squadrons of fighter jets and bombers taking part in the drills.
The exercise was conducted in a coordinated manner, with Chinese forces operating in conjunction with each other to achieve a common objective. The report notes that the exercise demonstrated China's ability to project power across the Taiwan Strait and to coordinate its military forces in a complex and dynamic environment.
Implications for Regional Security
The surprise PRC military exercise around Taiwan has sent shockwaves through the region and has sparked concerns about a potential conflict between China and Taiwan. The exercise has been seen as a clear warning to the United States and its allies to stay away from the disputed territory. The report notes that the exercise has also highlighted the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among regional militaries to counter the growing threat posed by China's military modernization.
The exercise has also raised concerns about the potential for miscalculation and conflict in the region. The report notes that the exercise was conducted in a sensitive and contested environment, with the potential for unintended consequences and escalation. The report warns that the exercise highlights the need for increased diplomatic engagement and dialogue to reduce tensions and prevent conflict in the region.
Washington's Response to the Exercise
The surprise PRC military exercise around Taiwan has sparked a strong response from Washington. The report notes that the United States has condemned the exercise as a provocative move and has called on China to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Taiwan. The report notes that the United States has also increased its military presence in the region, with additional warships and aircraft deployed to the area to counter the growing threat posed by China's military modernization.
The report notes that the exercise has also highlighted the need for increased cooperation and dialogue between the United States and China to reduce tensions and prevent conflict in the region. The report warns that the exercise has also raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict between the United States and China, and the need for increased diplomatic engagement and dialogue to prevent this scenario.
The surprise PRC military exercise around Taiwan has sent a clear message to Washington and its allies: China is willing to use force to assert its claims in the Taiwan Strait. The exercise has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among regional militaries to counter the growing threat posed by China's military modernization. The report warns that the exercise has also raised concerns about the potential for miscalculation and conflict in the region, and the need for increased diplomatic engagement and dialogue to prevent this scenario.
The Institute for the Study of War's report provides a detailed analysis of the exercise and its implications for regional security. The report warns that the exercise has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among regional militaries to counter the growing threat posed by China's military modernization. The report also notes that the exercise has raised concerns about the potential for miscalculation and conflict in the region, and the need for increased diplomatic engagement and dialogue to prevent this scenario.