China’s military has launched a new round of war games around Taiwan, deploying planes and ships in what Beijing describes as a “stern warning” to “separatist” forces. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has stated that it will deploy appropriate forces to safeguard its sovereignty. The Chinese Communist Party’s military, known as the CCP, initiated the “Joint Sword-2024B” drills just four days after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te declared that Beijing has no right to represent Taiwan. This marks the fourth such drill in two years.
The CCP’s Eastern Theatre Command announced that it was conducting the drills in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas but did not specify their duration. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry condemned these actions as irrational and provocative, vowing to respond with appropriate forces to protect its sovereignty.
The drills involve troops from China’s army, navy, and air force. The focus is on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, blockading key ports and areas, assaulting maritime and ground targets, as well as joint seizure of comprehensive superiority.
The United States expressed serious concern over these military exercises by China. The State Department warned that Beijing’s actions could risk escalation and called for restraint from the CCP.
Taiwan reported 25 Chinese aircraft, seven naval vessels, and four official ships near its territory on October 14th. Sixteen of these aircraft crossed into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. In response, Taiwan scrambled aircrafts, vessels, and coastal missile systems to monitor China’s activities.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council strongly condemned these military drills for undermining regional peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. They emphasized that they will never retreat or succumb to threats posed by China.
These recent developments follow President Lai Ching-te’s speech on October 10th where he pledged resistance against any annexation or encroachment on Taiwan’s sovereignty by China. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned against any provocative actions towards Taiwan following Lai’s address.
China’s antagonism towards Taiwan has intensified since the election of Tsai Ing-wen from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 2016. Lai Ching-te is currently chairman of DPP but previously served as vice president during Tsai Ing-wen’s administration which pursued policies favoring Taiwanese sovereignty.