Military analysts say that the military drills trumpeted by China yesterday were a low-budget propaganda exercise intended to intimidate Taiwan. The live fire drills took place in the waters of Quanzhou Bay, Fujian Province, yesterday morning. The National Security Council has confirmed that it briefed President Tsai Ing-wen, who is currently in Swaziland, on the developments. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV gave a major report on the military exercises that took place off the coast of Fujian on Wednesday morning.One military analyst thinks that China’s recent spate of saber-rattling is a propaganda exercise aimed at getting under the skin of Taiwanese people – at low-cost, on a small-scale, and without involving too many troops.Cheng Chi-wenMilitary analystChina is putting out a lot of big propaganda about its political implications. They’re also using dirty tactics, so to speak, the war over public opinion, psychological warfare and legal warfare, trying to strike some fear into Taiwan and the US, at least on a propaganda and psychological level.Chiu Chui-chengDeputy Director, Mainland Affairs CouncilNo mainland Chinese military exercise focused on Taiwan can be of any help in improving cross-strait relations; it only damages solidarity between the people on both sides of the strait.President Tsai Ing-wen is currently in Africa, where she’s getting real-time reports about the situation at home.Tsai Ming-yenNational Security CouncilUsing encrypted facilities, the president had a video-conference with a number of relevant personnel here, who are in charge of foreign affairs, national defense, national security, and cross-strait affairs. While China flexes its muscles, Taiwan is trying to hold its nerve, staying composed and vigilant.
