China has commenced a large-scale military exercise named Joint Sword-2024B in the vicinity of Taiwan, heightening regional tensions.
The drills, involving air, naval, and coast guard forces, encircle Taiwan, demonstrating the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) capability to block and control the island. Beijing has not disclosed the end date for the exercises.
The PLA described the drills as a “practical action” aimed at implementing the “One China” principle. The exercises include precision strikes on key targets and blockades of Taiwan’s major ports, signaling China’s ability to enforce its claims over the island.
“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 national sovereignty and national unity,” stressed Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson of the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command.
In response, Taiwan has increased its defense posture, deploying anti-ship missile systems, including the Hsiung Feng II missile launchers, at the Hualien port. Taiwanese forces have also placed their military on high alert and have scrambled fighter jets to conduct air patrols. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense emphasized that it “will not provoke but will firmly defend its territory and sovereignty.”
The U.S. Department of State issued a statement expressing concern over China’s military activities. “These maneuvers are unjustified, and we urge China to halt any actions that could destabilize peace in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region,” the statement read.
This escalation follows a series of PLA drills around Taiwan over the past year, intensifying fears of a potential military confrontation. Observers note that the scale and intensity of Joint Sword-2024B mark an unprecedented show of force, further straining relations across the Taiwan Strait.