Taiwan Tensions: Is Military Blockade on the Table?

China's Stance on Military Drills and the Future of Taiwan's Sovereignty.

Recent military exercises by China around Taiwan have sparked global interest and speculation. Following a report in The Wall Street Journal suggesting a military blockade as a potential strategic option to pressure Taiwan, the focus has intensified.

During a press conference on October 26th, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, addressed the issue. He stated that the People's Liberation Army's military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan are a "deterrent and punishment" against "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and interference from external forces. He framed these actions as "necessary and just" measures to safeguard national 主權 (zhuquan, sovereignty) and territorial integrity.

The press conference, hosted by Chen Binhua, included questions from mainland media outlets. The questions addressed the objectives of China's recent military drills near the Taiwan Strait, including whether a military blockade might be considered a strategic option in resolving the Taiwan issue, and the strategic and security goals China hopes to achieve through its military strategy concerning Taiwan.