China launches new military exercises near Taiwan as a stern warning
China's Coast Guard fleet (Illustrative photo: Xinhua / Wang Yuguo)
The People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) commenced another round of military exercises near Taiwan on Monday, October 14. Beijing refers to these drills as a warning against the separatist actions of the island's authorities, reports Reuters.
The Chinese side has not specified the end date for these military exercises.
According to the Chinese military command, the Joint Sword-2024B drills are taking place in the Taiwan Strait and in areas north, south, and east of Taiwan.
"The drill also serves as a stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces. It is a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity," the command stated.
Details of China's exercises near Taiwan
The Chinese side also released a map showing nine areas around Taiwan where the exercises took place: two off the island's eastern coast, three on the western side, one to the north, and three around Taiwan-controlled islands near the Chinese coastline.
The Chinese military command stated that ships and aircraft are approaching Taiwan from various directions, focusing on patrol and combat readiness from both sea and air, as well as practicing blockades of key ports and areas and simulating attacks on maritime and land targets.
However, the Chinese armed forces have not announced any live-fire drills or the establishment of no-fly zones.
What preceded the military exercises
In response, Taiwan condemned the actions of the Chinese military but noted that Taipei was prepared for them.
Earlier, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated that China has no right to represent Taiwan, even if it offers cooperation with Beijing. This statement drew condemnation from Chinese authorities.
Last week, Chinese state media published a series of articles condemning Lai's speech, and on Sunday, the Chinese military command released a video emphasizing its readiness for battle.
Reaction of the Taiwanese side
According to a senior representative of Taiwan's security service in a conversation with Reuters, Taipei believes that China is practicing the blockade of Taiwanese ports to the north and south of the island, as well as international shipping routes, to deter any potential arrival of foreign military forces.
On October 13, Taiwan reported that a Chinese aircraft carrier group was sailing south of the island through the strategic Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines and connects the South China Sea with the Pacific Ocean.
In May, China conducted two days of military exercises called Joint Sword-2024A around Taiwan following Lai's inauguration as president. At that time, China claimed that these exercises were a punishment for the separatist content in Lai's inaugural speech.
Additionally, it was reported that at the end of September, Taiwan declared full military readiness in response to China's launch of ballistic missiles.
