Taiwan has denounced recent Chinese military drills as an “unreasonable provocation” after Beijing deployed warships and fighter jets in a display described as a “stern warning” against “separatist acts” by Taiwanese independence forces.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command began joint operations on Monday involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force in and around the Taiwan Strait.
The drills, code-named Joint Sword-2024B, follow similar exercises conducted earlier this year. This latest round saw Chinese forces executing maneuvers around Taiwan, a self-governing island of 23 million people, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense condemned the drills and mobilized its own forces in response.
President Lai Ching-te, who has long been critical of Beijing’s claims over Taiwan, convened national security meetings and reassured the public. “In the face of external threats, I want to reassure my compatriots that the government will continue to defend our democratic and free constitutional system,” Lai stated, emphasizing that Taiwan “is not subordinate” to China.
In recent years, China has increased its military pressure on Taiwan, often conducting drills that coincide with political events. Notably, this follows Lai’s recent National Day speech where he asserted Taiwan’s independence, rejecting Beijing’s claim of sovereignty.
As part of the current drills, the PLA dispatched vessels and aircraft to surround Taiwan from multiple directions. China’s military operations, involving sea-air combat-readiness patrols, blockades, and simulated assaults, highlight escalating tensions. A propaganda video titled “Prepared for Battle,” released by China’s Eastern Theater Command, showed fighter jets, warships, and amphibious vessels in action, underscoring the intensity of the exercises.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported spotting 25 Chinese aircraft and seven warships near the Taiwan Strait on Monday morning, with 16 of the aircraft crossing the Median Line—an informal demarcation Beijing has increasingly disregarded.
Beijing’s aggression comes as a continuation of its longstanding goal of “reunification,” despite Taiwan’s separate and democratic government. A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson reiterated that “Taiwan independence and peace in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible.”
China’s military expenditures reflect its resolve, with billions spent on naval deployments and air force operations near Taiwan. During similar exercises in May, the PLA logged 91 warship sailings and 111 jet flights at a combined estimated cost exceeding $60 million.
The United States has voiced concerns over the latest drills, calling China’s actions “unwarranted” and a risk to regional stability. “We call on the PRC to act with restraint,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, warning against further escalation.
With tensions simmering, Taiwan remains vigilant, as indicated by the interception of a Chinese individual near the Kinmen Islands on Monday. The incident, occurring amid the ongoing drills, has heightened Taiwan’s alertness to potential “gray zone” tactics—measures that stop short of open conflict but aim to intimidate.
