China's PLA Begins Joint Sword-2024A Military Drills Surrounding Taiwan

May 23, 2024, 01:27 AM

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has commenced extensive joint military drills surrounding Taiwan, starting from 7:45 a.m. on Thursday. These exercises, named 'Joint Sword-2024A,' are being conducted by the Eastern Theater Command and involve the navy, air force, and rocket force. The drills are taking place in the Taiwan Strait, and the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island, as well as around the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. The Chinese government has stated that these drills are a response to 'separatist acts' and serve as a 'strong punishment' for Taiwan's independence movements. The military activities, scheduled from May 23 to May 24, come just days after Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as Taiwan's new president. Taiwan's defense ministry has condemned the exercises and has deployed sea and air forces in response, asserting its capability to protect the island's sovereignty.