On this day in 1996 and in a dramatic show of force, China launched two M-9 ground-to-ground missiles that landed off Taiwan’s shores, aiming to intimidate pro-independence sentiment ahead of Taiwanese elections.
Despite international appeals to halt its military tests, Beijing escalated tensions by announcing live-fire naval and air exercises near Taiwan, warning regional authorities to keep ships and aircraft clear of the area.
In response, the United States deployed the aircraft carrier USS Independence and accompanying warships to the South China Sea, signaling its concern over regional stability. China, which has considered Taiwan a breakaway province since the nationalist retreat in 1949, reiterated that any formal declaration of independence would provoke military action.
