China’s Military Maneuvers around Taiwan

• China has been steadily increasing its military activities around Taiwan, both by air and sea:

1. Air incursions into the Taiwan Strait have increased significantly, from 36 incursions in January to 193 in September.
2. Chinese ships operating around Taiwan has also risen, from 142 in early 2024 to 282 by August.

• These maneuvers seem designed to wear down Taiwan’s navy and air force, creating constant pressure.

Other Unconventional Strategies used by China:

• Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: A confrontational and assertive style of diplomacy used by Chinese officials, characterized by aggressive rhetoric and nationalistic stances, often aimed at defending China’s interests and countering foreign criticism.
• Gray-Zone Tactics: A set of covert strategies that fall between war and peace, including actions like cyberattacks, propaganda, and incremental territorial gains, aimed at advancing a nation’s goals without triggering a full-scale military conflict.
• Salami Slicing: A strategy where small, incremental actions are taken over time to achieve a larger goal without triggering a strong reaction. It is often used to gain control or advantage bit by bit, avoiding immediate confrontation.

PYQ:

[2021] The US is facing an existential threat in the form of a China that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union. Explain.

[2017] “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.