In a display of increasing military power, China conducted extensive drills around Taiwan on Monday, deploying fighter jets and warships in a show of force that Beijing termed a “stern warning” to “separatist” elements on the island. These exercises, known as Joint Sword-2024B, are the fourth of their kind in just over two years, highlighting Beijing’s unwavering claim to Taiwan. A record 125 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, alongside 17 warships, participated in these drills. This significant military presence drew condemnation from the United States, which called the actions “unwarranted” and potentially escalating tensions.
The US urged China to exercise restraint and avoid further provocative maneuvers. These military exercises occur amid rising tensions regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty, with Beijing increasingly assertive about its claims over the self-governed island. Taiwan, with its own government, military, and currency, has long been a contentious issue between China and the United States, as Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to assert control.
Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, who assumed office in May, has taken a more vocal stance in defending Taiwan’s sovereignty, angering Beijing, which labels him a “separatist.” In response to the drills, Lai reaffirmed his commitment to “protect democratic Taiwan and safeguard national security,” pledging to “resist annexation” and maintain Taiwan’s unique identity.
China, however, firmly believes that Taiwan’s independence and peace in the Taiwan Strait cannot coexist. The recent drills, conducted in “areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan,” focused on “sea-air combat readiness patrols, blockades of key ports, and assault exercises on maritime and ground targets.”
Additionally, the Chinese coast guard conducted “inspections” around Taiwan, with four fleets encircling the island in an anti-clockwise direction. Taiwan reported that several formations of Chinese coast guard ships patrolled its waters and briefly entered restricted areas, though not the prohibited zones.
The escalation of military activity around Taiwan reflects China’s broader trend of assertiveness in the region. In recent years, China has significantly increased military operations around Taiwan, sending warplanes and maintaining a near-constant naval presence in the surrounding waters.
Despite the heightened military posture, many residents of Taipei seemed largely unfazed by the drills. As one local engineer noted, “I won’t panic too much because they often conduct drills. It’s not the first time in recent years, so I feel a bit numb.” However, these drills serve as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the Taiwan Strait and the potential for conflict should tensions escalate further.
