China Breaks Promise Not To Send Military Troops, Vows To Conduct Regular Patrols Around Taiwan

In its attempt to annex Taiwan, China said on Wednesday that it will "not abandon the use of force." Beijing's military was winding down war drills surrounding the island that had been started following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's contentious visit last week.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by China's Taiwan Affairs Office, the country will "operate with the greatest sincerity and use our utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification."

China "Successfully Completes" Tasks Around Taiwan

After Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on August 2, China conducted days of drills that included simulated air and sea strikes that crossed into Taiwanese territory and ballistic missile tests that came dangerously close to Taipei.

In addition to disrupting planes and ships in waterways that are essential for reducing the backlog in the global supply chain, the military provocations strained already poor ties between Washington and Beijing. Per NY Post, the People's Liberation Army announced that normal patrols will continue near Taiwan as the drills came to a close.

In response to China's ongoing threats, Sun Li-fang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Defense Ministry, stated that Taipei will "completely adapt the distribution of forces based on criteria such as the enemy threat." According to Reuters, Chinese vessels continued to patrol Taiwan's west and east coastlines and drew close to the median line, which serves as the island nation's maritime boundary in the Taiwan Strait.

According to Taiwan, 17 Chinese fighter planes violated the hypothetical line on Wednesday. Taiwan sent ships and planes to the area in response to the intrusions in order to monitor the activities and as a show of force to demonstrate its willingness to protect itself. The first trip by a House speaker in 25 years and a legislative delegation spent nearly 19 hours on the island before departing by plane on August 3.

China-Taiwan Tensions Continue

Beijing, which sees Taiwan as a part of its territory, was enraged by Pelosi's visit. Pelosi has been a vocal opponent of China and a close supporter of President Joe Biden. Defying Chinese threats, Pelosi declared in Taipei that she had come to the island to make it clear that "America stands with Taiwan."

The US continues to follow a strategy of "strategic ambiguity" with regard to Taiwan, acknowledging China's claims to the island yet refusing to support them. Washington has also promised to arm Taiwan so it can defend itself in the event of an attack.

According to a significant policy paper on China-Taiwan relations, China reiterated just before Wednesday's statement that the drills had finished that it would use force against Taiwan should the mainland not seize control of the freely ruled island "through peaceful means."

The document reportedly revealed China stepping back on a commitment made in 1993 and again in 2000 to not send military or administrative officials to the island if Beijing gained control. It adds that such action would be a "last resort implemented under compelling circumstances," The Hill reported.

Despite the fact that the United States and Taiwan do not have official diplomatic relations, such a move by China would be important for Washington since the Taiwan Relations Act requires the United States to assist Taiwan in defending itself.