In a move signaling heightened tensions, China commenced two days of military exercises surrounding Taiwan on Thursday morning, aiming to demonstrate its resolve against perceived separatist activities, as reported by state media.
The military maneuvers come just days after Lai Ching-te assumed office as Taiwan’s new president. China has long asserted sovereignty over Taiwan, regarding it as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland, and has labeled Lai as a “dangerous separatist” whose leadership could lead to “war and decline” for the island.
Dubbed Joint Sword-2024A, the drills are slated to focus on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrols, comprehensive battlefield control, and precision strikes on key targets, according to Xinhua. The exercises, led by the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), encompass the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south, and east of the island, as well as surrounding islands including Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.
A military spokesperson emphasized that the drills are intended as both a response to “Taiwan independence” forces and a warning against external interference and provocation. The exercises aim to test the combat capabilities of Chinese forces under realistic conditions.
This move echoes previous instances of military flexing by China in response to perceived provocations from Taiwan, notably in 2021 following high-profile visits to the US by Taiwanese officials. The ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan hold significant implications for global stability, given Taiwan’s pivotal role in the global economy as a major tech manufacturer and a strategic location in maritime trade routes.
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