China issued a firm warning to Taiwan by deploying planes and ships to encircle the island in military drills. Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control, and these drills mark the fourth round of large-scale war games in the past two years. The exercises were in response to a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te during National Day celebrations, where he vowed to resist annexation and emphasized Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Taiwan condemned the drills as irrational and provocative and responded by dispatching appropriate forces. The exercises, named Joint Sword-2024B, focused on sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade on key areas, and joint seizure of comprehensive superiority. China’s coast guard also conducted inspections around the island, with four fleets encircling Taiwan.
In the face of increasing military activity, Taiwan’s defense ministry remains confident in ensuring national defense security. The ongoing dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to a civil war in 1949, with Taiwan striving to maintain its sovereignty, democracy, and international presence despite Beijing’s efforts to diminish its influence.
© 2024 AFP