China holds military drills near Taiwan: all about the shared history, current tensions

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Context:

On October 14, 2023, China initiated military exercises near Taiwan, termed ‘Operation Joint Sword 24B’, shortly after Taiwan’s 113th National Day.
The military exercises are a continuation of longstanding tensions.

Background:

Since the 1949 Chinese Civil War, Taiwan has operated as a sovereign, self-administered entity, officially known as the Republic of China (RoC).
The PRC views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland under its One China policy.

Chinese Position:

China claims the exercises are a response to Taiwan President’s remarks during his National Day address on October 10, where he affirmed Taiwan’s sovereignty and stated that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) cannot represent Taiwan.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has characterized these actions as a stern warning against what it perceives as separatist tendencies of Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Position:

Taiwan’s government has committed to addressing the perceived threats from China and urged China to halt military provocations that undermine regional stability, calling for peaceful relations and mutual respect for democracy.

Taiwan’s Global Significance:

Taiwan’s strategic location in the East China Sea makes it critical for regional stability, especially concerning Southeast Asia.
Tensions in the Taiwan Strait could disrupt trade and escalate conflicts in neighbouring areas, such as the South China Sea.

International recognition:

Only 11 countries officially recognize Taiwan, primarily small island nations.
Most nations adhere to the One China policy, recognizing the PRC’s claim over Taiwan, despite informal relations with the RoC.

Historical relations between China and Taiwan:

The Chinese Communist Party’s victory in the 1949 Chinese civil war resulted in its rival, the Kuomintang (KMT), relocating to Taiwan where its leader, Chiang Kai Shek, ruled as President until his death in 1975.
Since then, the island became a non-communist bastion against the PRC.
In the 1990s, relations improved, leading to increased trade, despite ongoing tensions.
As the British prepared to exit Hong Kong in 1999, the One China, Two Systems solution was offered to Taiwan as well, but it was rejected by the Taiwanese.
Taiwan’s current political landscape features the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) advocating for independence and the KMT, which supports closer ties with China.
The DPP and KMT are primarily the political parties representing the Hakka population of the island and the mainland Chinese minority, respectively.
Recent years have seen a shift towards pro-independence sentiments, particularly under President Tsai Ing-wen since 2016.