China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan

Image copyright: Flickr

The Spin

Pro-China narrative

Following Lai's provocative US transit, Beijing had no other option but to hold these joint military exercises around the island as a sharp countermeasure to punish secessionist forces and to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. While it's in the PRC's best interest to peacefully reunite Taiwan with the mainland, Lai's provocations and conspiracy with foreign powers can't be tolerated.

Anti-China narrative

While Beijing may see Taiwanese leaders visiting the US as a threat to its claims over the island that it has never been ruled, Chinese warplanes have encroached on Taiwan's air defense zone nearly daily for months. Lai's US trips are just an excuse — China will use every pretext to undermine regional security and continuously oppress its peaceful neighbors.

Metaculus Prediction


Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

More neutral establishment stance articles

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!