Chinese military troops conducted drills west of the Taiwanese Strait on Monday, and some military experts claim the exercises were targeted at Taiwan and the US.

Observers have noted that the military exercises were held ahead of the inauguration of Taiwan president-elect Tsai lng-wen on Friday.

Like Us on Facebook

Although China's defense ministry said the drills were aimed at strengthening the country's military capabilities to handle security threats, some critics have interpreted it as a warning against Taiwan's desire to be independent.

"The recent land, air and sea training exercises are aimed at testing and boosting China's ability in addressing security threats and fulfilling military mission," the defense ministry said on Wednesday.

The statement was made after troops from the 31st Group Army of the newly-established Eastern Theatre Command conducted live fire and landing exercises on the Fujian coast.

Taiwan independence

Some critics claim that the military exercises focused on the troops' response to Taiwan's efforts to pursue independence from the mainland. Others have noted that the landing drills may have targeted the US.

China's defense ministry has said that the military exercises were not directed at any party.

"The US does not want to get involved in case of crisis in the Taiwan Strait. China will be able to indirectly exert pressure on Taiwan by pressuring the US," a naval expert at the Shanghai University said.

Military strategies

Monday's military exercises focused strongly on strategies despite its smaller scale compared to previous drills, according to experts.

The drills, which involved a frigate, a destroyer, and a ship-based helicopter, showed that China's army has the military capabilities and expertise to take control of Taiwan.

Taiwan's first female president, Tsai-lng-wen, leads the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

She won the January island's national elections, together with her party, by a landslide.

In her victory speech, Tsai vowed to preserve the status quo in relations with China. She also emphasized that  Beijing must respect Taiwan's democracy and that both sides must ensure there will be no provocations.

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province and has been vocal in saying that it will take back Taiwan by force should it continue to pursue independence.

TagsPresident-elect Tsai Lng-wen, Taiwan Strait, Military exercises, landing exercises, Taiwan independence, democratic progressive party, china