China Begins 'Joint Sword-2024B' Drills Surrounding Taiwan; Taipei Dispatches Forces in Response

Oct 14, 2024, 12:00 AM

China has launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, involving naval and air forces, in a move Beijing describes as a "stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces." The exercises, named "Joint Sword-2024B," began on October 14, 2024, and involve the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command conducting drills to the north, east, south, and west of Taiwan, effectively surrounding the island from four sides. The drills focus on joint sea-air combat readiness patrols, blockades of key ports and areas, strikes on sea and land targets, and the seizure of comprehensive battlefield control. There is no announced end date for these exercises. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported increased Chinese military activity near its territory, including the movement of a Chinese naval group led by the aircraft carrier Liaoning near the Bashi Channel and towards the Western Pacific. Taiwan's Coast Guard detected unusual movements of Chinese Coast Guard ships, including vessels numbered 2901, 1305, 1303, and 2102, which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. In response, Taiwan dispatched appropriate forces to monitor and counter the activities, strongly condemning China's actions as irrational, provocative, and seriously undermining regional peace and stability. China's actions come after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivered a National Day speech on October 10, 2024, which Beijing interpreted as not conceding to its demands that Taiwan acknowledge itself as part of China under Communist Party rule. Taiwan's government has called on China to return to peace and rationality and engage in dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected government, emphasizing its willingness to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait.