Strong Condemnation of China’s Military Drills around Taiwan
Taiwan strongly condemned China’s joint-military drills around the island, calling them irrational and provocative. The Defense Ministry in Taipei vowed to deploy appropriate forces to defend national sovereignty against the Joint Sword-2024B exercises by the PLA.
The ministry reported 25 PLA aircraft, seven naval vessels, and four official ships operating around Taiwan. Sixteen aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan’s airspace, prompting a response from Taiwan’s defense forces. The drills are seen as a strong deterrent to Taiwan independence activities.
In response, Beijing imposed a ban on Taiwanese ruling Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Shen Pao-yang and Tsao Hsing-cheng, as well as Kuma Academy. The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office labeled the individuals as secessionist figures promoting separatist ideas.
These actions escalate tensions between Taiwan and China, highlighting the ongoing territorial dispute and the struggle for sovereignty.