Beijing has initiated joint military exercises around Taiwan to test the Chinese forces’ joint capabilities and deter Taiwanese separatist forces. The drills, dubbed ‘Joint Sword-2024B,’ involve army, navy, air force, and rocket force troops conducting various actions, including assaults, blockades, and combat-readiness patrols.
The PLA spokesperson emphasized that the exercises serve as a stern warning against Taiwan’s independence forces, aiming to safeguard state sovereignty and national unity. These drills follow recent tensions triggered by Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te’s remarks questioning Beijing’s authority over the island.
This initiative comes after similar drills conducted earlier this year as punishment for separatist forces, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region. Taiwan, a de facto self-governing entity, remains a sensitive issue for Beijing, who considers it an integral part of Chinese territory.
While only a few countries recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation, Beijing adheres to the One-China principle and reserves the right to use force to prevent Taipei from seeking independence with external support.