China has deployed planes and ships in military exercises encircling Taiwan, signaling a "stern warning" to what Beijing describes as separatist forces on the self-governed island. The drills, dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, took place on Monday, with Beijing emphasizing its intent to protect state sovereignty and national unity.
These military exercises mark the fourth large-scale drills in the last two years, underscoring China's stance on not ruling out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. The drills follow US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent warning against Beijing's possible actions in response to Taiwan's National Day celebrations.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who has been more vocal than his predecessor in asserting Taiwan's sovereignty, angered Beijing with his firm stance, leading to the increased military activity. China views Lai as a separatist, while Taiwan condemned the drills as "irrational and provocative."
Details of the Drills The exercises took place in areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan, focusing on sea-air combat readiness, key port blockades, and assaults on maritime and ground targets. China also practiced joint operations for gaining comprehensive superiority in the region. A diagram released by China’s coast guard showed fleets surrounding Taiwan in an anticlockwise direction.
These drills follow years of increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan, with warplanes and military aircraft frequently entering the island's airspace and ships maintaining a regular presence in nearby waters. On Sunday, Taiwan detected a Chinese aircraft carrier.
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