China’s military ramped up drills around Taiwan in a move it described as a warning to the self-governing island’s leadership to cease any moves toward independence.
The exercises, conducted on Monday, involved several branches of China’s armed forces, including the army, navy, air force, and rocket units.
Spokesperson for the Chinese military, pointed out that these actions were meant to be “a stern warning to the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces.”
The military emphasized that the operations were both “legitimate and necessary” to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity.
State broadcaster China Central Television released a map showing six large red zones encircling Taiwan, where the drills took place.
Three additional red circles were shown around smaller offshore outposts, highlighting the extensive area covered by the exercises.
These drills, titled ‘Joint Sword-2024B’, followed similar maneuvers, dubbed “2024A,” held immediately after Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, took office in May.
Analysts noted that these exercises seemed to replicate strategies observed two years ago when the People’s Liberation Army appeared to rehearse a blockade of Taiwan.
This strategic location, known for its vital semiconductor industry, lies adjacent to a major shipping lane, making it geopolitically significant.
China has employed various methods to pressure Lai since his electoral victory in January. These include persuading one of Taiwan’s few remaining diplomatic allies to switch allegiance, ramping up Coast Guard activity near Taiwan-controlled islets, and discontinuing tariff exemptions on certain agricultural products. On Saturday, Beijing announced it was considering “adopting further measures” in response to Taiwan’s decision to restrict specific Chinese imports.
Taiwan’s government responded by accusing China of using cross-strait trade as a tool of political coercion.
The latest PLA drills came after President Lai delivered a speech affirming his resolve to confront the challenges posed by Beijing. In the address, Lai reinforced Taiwan’s determination to stand firm against Chinese pressure.
He recently chaired the first meeting of a new civil defense committee, designed to enhance the island’s preparedness in case of any crisis.
This committee is part of broader efforts to ensure Taiwan remains resilient against external threats.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry condemned the exercises, dispatching its own military assets to monitor the situation. However, specific details of Taiwan’s response were not made public.
In its official statement, the ministry emphasized that Lai’s recent National Day speech showcased his commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Although the U.S. does not officially endorse Taiwanese independence—considered a red line by Beijing—Washington continues to support the island through arms sales and other political and economic measures.
President Joe Biden has repeatedly affirmed that the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack, although he has also maintained that the U.S. does not support a formal declaration of independence for the island.
