China Begins Joint Sword-2024A Military Drills Surrounding Taiwan from May 23 to 24

May 23, 2024, 12:44 AM

China has initiated extensive military drills surrounding Taiwan, involving the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The exercises, named Joint Sword-2024A, began at 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, and are set to continue until Friday, May 24. The drills are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island, and around the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. These maneuvers come just days after Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as the new president of Taiwan. Chinese officials have stated that the drills serve as a 'strong punishment' for 'separatist acts' and a warning against interference from external forces. Taiwan's military has responded by deploying sea and air forces to ensure the island's defense.