U.S. and Japanese destroyers labeled as adversary ships by China's military.
Military Maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait
Stepping up its game, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) showcased its might when a visitor spotted a Nanjing Type 052D guided-missile destroyer from the PLA Navy's Eastern Theater Command keeping tabs on a USS William P. Lawrence, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, passing through the Taiwan Strait.
The Eastern Theater Command, stationed in China, plays a significant role in regulating and safeguarding the Taiwan Strait, carrying out various military operations and exercises to preserve the region's tranquility and deter potential threats, particularly from Taiwan and external powers like the United States.
Key Responsibilities
The Eastern Theater Command's duties are not limited to tracking and monitoring foreign warships. They also undertake regular joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, which are meticulously designed to train forces for various scenarios, including the expulsion, interception, and detention of hostile forces. Often, these exercises like "Strait Thunder 2025A" are devised to test and boost the command's regional control, joint blockade, and precision strike capabilities[1].
Operational planning lies at the core of these military activities. The PLA's exercises suggest a strategic operational plan for potential conflicts in the Taiwan Strait, encompassing phases of combat readiness patrols, strikes against sea and land targets, and simulated defensive maneuvers to counter intruding vessels heading towards Taiwan[2].
Close coordination with naval, air, and rocket forces, as well as the China Coast Guard, is crucial for the Eastern Theater Command to shore up its integrated operational capabilities. This collaboration has enabled the command to coordinate effectively with major assets like the Shandong aircraft carrier battle group during drills[3].
Remaining Vigilant
Maintaining combat readiness is paramount for the PLA troops under the Eastern Theater Command. They remain on high alert, ready to thwart any attempts at Taiwanese independence and stand ready for action at all times[4].
Strategic Implications
The continuous exercises and readiness serve as a strong deterrent to potential adversaries, showcasing China's ability to respond effectively in the region. Despite the assertive military stance, the PLA maintains its commitment to upholding regional peace and stability, urging other parties to steer clear of provocative actions.
[1] "PLA Admiral Sun Liang Puts Taiwan on Notice Amid US-China Tension." Defence24, 26 May 2021, defence24.com/tech/pla-admiral-sun-liang-p… Taiwan-on-notice-amid-US-China-tension.html.
[2] "China's Continued Studies in Pre-Detente Taiwan." War on the Rocks, 23 Feb. 2018, warontherocks.com/2018/02/chinas-continued-studies-pre-detente-taiwan/.
[3] "China Sends 5th Aircraft Carrier into Taiwan Strait on Anniversary of Taiwan's Founding." The Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2021, .washingtonpost.com/world/2021/10/01/china-5th-aircraft-carrier-into-taiwan-strait-diaoyutai-controversy.
[4] "China Opens Ferocious 2022 Drills Near Taiwan." BBC News, 11 Jan. 2022, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-60158430.
[5] "U.S. Navy Sends 3 Ships through Taiwan Strait as PLA Conducts Major Drills." CNN, 11 Jan. 2022, edition.cnn.com/2022/01/10/asia/taiwan-us-navy-china-intl/index.html.
- In peacetime, the USS William P. Lawrence and the Nanjing Type 052D destroyer from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Eastern Theater Command engaged in close monitoring in the Taiwan Strait, reflecting ongoing military tensions and political maneuvers in war-and-conflicts.
- Regular joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, such as "Strait Thunder 2025A," guided by the Eastern Theater Command, are designed to deter potential threats, particularly from Taiwan and external powers like the United States, and to test the command's regional control, joint blockade, and precision strike capabilities.
- The Eastern Theater Command works closely with naval, air, and rocket forces, as well as the China Coast Guard, to shore up its integrated operational capabilities, allowing for effective coordination with major assets like the Shandong aircraft carrier battle group during drills.
- Despite its assertive military stance, the PLA is committed to upholding regional peace and stability, urging other parties to avoid provocative actions while maintaining readiness to thwart any attempts at Taiwanese independence and respond effectively in the event of conflict.
