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China’s decision to deploy significant military force for drills in the waters surrounding Taiwan this week is deeply rooted in both recent events and decades of complex history.
The island represents Beijing’s most sensitive political issue, a status it has held since Taiwan separated from the mainland in 1949 following a civil war. While Taiwan now governs itself as a vibrant democracy, China steadfastly claims it as sovereign territory.
Military exercises around Taiwan are not uncommon for China, often conducted in response to perceived provocations or as general displays of power.
The latest drills, however, underscore a heightened state of tension.
Taiwan’s distinct governance emerged from the Chinese Civil War. From 1927 to 1949, China was under the rule of the Kuomintang, or Nationalists.
When Mao Zedong’s communists ultimately overthrew them, the Nationalists retreated to Taiwan, an island off China&rsqu...
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