China Launches Military Drills Around Taiwan and Outlying Islands as Stern Warning

Oct 14, 2024, 12:17 AM

China has launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan and its outlying islands, deploying planes and ships to encircle the island. According to Beijing's defense ministry, the exercises are designed to test the joint operational capabilities of the theater command's forces. The drills, which began on Monday, are intended as a stern warning to Taiwan's government to halt separatist acts. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has expressed strong condemnation for what it describes as irrational and provocative behavior. The exercises involve China's army, navy, air force, rocket forces, and coast guard. Chinese ships and aircraft are approaching Taiwan in close proximity from different directions, focusing on sea-air combat patrols and blockading key ports.