Some analysts suggest the military drills launched by China today may just be
the beginning.

Australian political analyst Sung Wen-ti says, “This feels like a prelude to
more and bigger military drills to come.”

Sung wrote on social media plaform X , “This is a signal to shape
international narratives. The real ‘punishment’ against Taiwan may be yet
to come...”

Other analysts noted the addition of Taiwan's outlying islands to the current
drills.

That's the major difference between these exercises and similar ones that
took place in 2022 and 2023.

The drills, which are set to last till tomorrow, have also drawn the
attention of Taiwan's security partners.

Deputy Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, Lt Gen Stephen Sklenka, today
said China's threats needed to be taken seriously...

...but an attack or invasion was not inevitable or imminent.

Meanwhile Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, today said his
government would contact Beijing...

...to "directly and clearly" communicate to Beijing the importance of
maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

(BH)