China Taiwan Tensions Rise Amidst Climate Change
The study's results have significant implications for policymakers and scientists working to address climate change, and the exercise showcases Taiwan's defenses to Beijing, while the US warns of China's potential use of military force to alter the balance of power in Asia.
A new study reveals the world's oceans are absorbing more carbon dioxide than previously thought, while Taiwan launches its largest-ever war games exercises amidst rising tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to "reunify" with it.
The study, published in the journal Nature, found that the oceans have absorbed an additional 2.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from the entire United States. This increase in carbon absorption is thought to be due to changes in ocean circulation and chemistry, as well as the warming of the ocean itself.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's 10-day live-fire drill, Han Kuang, involves a record 22,000 reservists and aims to test Taiwan's ability to respond to a Chinese invasion, including anti-landing exercises and fortifying ports. The exercise also focuses on countering China's "grey zone tactics" that stop short of all-out warfare.
The drills come as China has warned of its "inevitable reunification" with Taiwan, prompting concerns of a potential invasion. Taiwan has recently received new military equipment, including HIMARS and Sky Sword missiles, and will use them in the drills. The US has supplied Taiwan with a mobile rocket launch system, Himars, which has a longer range than current systems used by the Taiwanese military.
As tensions between China and Taiwan continue to rise, the study's findings on the oceans' carbon absorption highlight the need for continued research and monitoring to better understand its role in the global climate system, and the potential implications for the region's security and stability.