China has launched a new round of live-fire military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, further heightening tensions in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical hotspots. These drills, named “Joint Sword-2024B,” were announced on October 14, 2024, and involve a significant mobilization of China’s naval, air, and rocket forces around Taiwan.
The exercises are being conducted in nine designated areas, covering the northern, southern, and eastern regions around the island, as well as the Taiwan Strait itself, including key strategic points near Taiwan’s outlying islands, such as Matsu and Kinmen
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China launches live-fire exercise
Purpose and Scale of the Drills
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) explained that these exercises aim to enhance joint operations capabilities, particularly focusing on combat readiness in sea-air scenarios, blockading strategic ports, and targeting maritime and ground defenses. According to the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command, naval ships and military aircraft are approaching Taiwan from multiple directions in close proximity to the island. The exercises simulate assaults on key locations, signaling Beijing’s ability to seize control in a conflict scenario
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Chinese authorities have framed the drills as a “stern warning” to what they describe as “separatist forces” advocating for Taiwan’s independence. The Chinese government maintains that Taiwan is a breakaway province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Taiwan’s independence and peace in the Taiwan Strait are irreconcilable, further emphasizing that Beijing will not tolerate any actions by pro-independence forces
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The drills come as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te continues to take a firm stance against Beijing’s claims over the island. Lai has consistently rejected China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and emphasized the importance of protecting Taiwan’s democracy. In response to the exercises, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense criticized China’s actions as irrational and provocative. The ministry confirmed that it has deployed forces to monitor the situation and is prepared to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty if necessary
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Impact on Regional Stability
The timing of the exercises is significant, following closely after Taiwan’s National Day celebrations, during which President Lai reaffirmed the island’s determination to resist any attempts at annexation. The drills are also part of China’s ongoing strategy to pressure Taiwan, not just militarily but also diplomatically and economically, in an effort to isolate the island internationally. These live-fire exercises mark a continuation of a series of similar maneuvers China has conducted in the past year, as Beijing steps up its military presence around Taiwan
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The scale of the current exercises is notable, involving over 125 military aircraft and 17 warships. This represents one of the highest levels of military activity seen around Taiwan to date. Although none of the military units entered Taiwan’s defensive airspace, the sheer number of forces mobilized indicates China’s growing capabilities in conducting joint military operations
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Taiwan’s Response and International Reactions
Taiwan has denounced the drills as a threat to regional peace and stability. Its defense ministry stressed that the island would not back down in the face of China’s aggressive posture, though it reiterated that Taiwan does not seek to escalate tensions. Taiwan’s Coast Guard also reported the detention of a Chinese citizen attempting an illegal crossing into one of its outlying islands during the drills, raising concerns about potential gray-zone tactics being employed as part of the exercise
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Internationally, the United States has condemned China’s military actions. The U.S. State Department called the drills “unwarranted” and warned that they risk escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Washington has long supported Taiwan through arms sales and political backing, though it has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding direct military intervention in the event of a conflict between China and Taiwan
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As China’s military presence grows around Taiwan, the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains a critical flashpoint. Both Beijing and Taipei appear determined to stand their ground, raising the risk of potential miscalculations that could have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.
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