Flashpoint-World News: China Live Fire Drills Taiwan on High Alert!
China surprise live-fire INVASION drills near Taiwan raises concern. Taiwan in response mobilizes land, sea and air forces for what seems to be an inevitable clash with China. A similar exercise was conducted by the PRC Military forces in 2023 what amounted to a blockade of Taiwan. Taiwan relies heavily on imports. Seen as a blatant provocation to regional security the defense force of Taiwan has condemned the exercise. This comes just after a recent Live-Fire exercise was conducted near Australia and New Zealand that forced Airline traffic to be diverted.
While the Future of Taiwan’s’ regional security is unclear. What is clear is that China has had its sites on claiming Taiwan as a part of the Chinese Mainland. Almost all computer chips produced that power advanced civilian and military technologies are made in Taiwan. Making both the U.S. and Chinese economies extremely reliant on plants that would become a target in the event of an an attack on Taiwan. The Semiconductor chip market drives the Global Economy.
What does that mean for Global stability in the region and the US? The US has affirmed the defense of Taiwan in the event that a conflict ensued with Taiwan and China. Russia and North Korea and China may play significant threats in the Indo-Pacific region. China however, only adds to this unstable region leaving America and other countries vulnerable to a global threat. According to Adm. John Aquilino who testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, “China is of most concern, particularly in its stated number one priority of taking control of Taiwan”, said Navy Adm. John Aquilino. It is not only a necessity but vital for our Economic Security and Leadership that foundries be made in the US that can produce advanced Semiconductors and microchips for both civilian and military equipment.
Recently Trump has announced tariffs on Taiwan in hopes that it will foster companies bringing manufacturing back to the Homeland. Trump stated that Taiwan had taken away the U.S. chip business, and he wanted it back in the country. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd, (TSMC) is the world’s largest chipmaker and produces chips for companies including Apple, Intel and Nvidia. Industries estimate TSMC accounts for more than 90% of global output of these chips.
The US Military in response is also preparing to conduct joint exercises with their INDO-PACIFIC partners in the region. On Feb, 25th 2025, in KORAT, Thailand, over 200 service members from U.S., Thailand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They gathered on the parade grounds at Camp Suranaree, Thailand, marking the 44th iteration of Cobra Gold. Its origins started in 1982 and is the largest exercise in mainland Asia. This year, more than 3,200 U.S. service members will participate in the exercise, where they will work side with allies and partners to participate in joint training, multinational engagements and humanitarian projects.
Here is a helpful resource to learn more about Semiconductors and Microchips:
Sources:
https://www.army.mil/article/283325/opening_ceremony_kicks_off_44th_iteration_of_cobra_gold
https://www.the-sun.com/news/13597740/china-live-fire-war-drills-australia-new-zealand-flights
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/taiwan-china-chips
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