In a display of escalating military might, China concluded a day of extensive drills around Taiwan on Monday, deploying fighter jets and warships in a show of force that Beijing described as a “stern warning” to “separatist” forces on the island. These exercises marked the fourth of their kind in just over two years, reflecting Beijing’s unwavering stance on its claim to Taiwan. The drills, dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, saw the deployment of a record 125 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, around the island, along with 17 warships. This significant military presence was met with condemnation from the United States, which deemed the actions “unwarranted” and a potential catalyst for “escalation.”
The US urged Beijing to exercise restraint and refrain from further provocative actions. The exercises come at a time of heightened tensions over Taiwan’s sovereignty, with Beijing increasingly assertive in its claims to the self-ruled island. Taiwan, which has its own government, military, and currency, has long been a source of friction between China and the United States. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control.
Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has adopted a more outspoken stance in defending Taiwan’s sovereignty, angering Beijing, which labels him a “separatist.” In response to the drills, Lai reiterated his commitment to “protect democratic Taiwan and safeguard national security.” He has vowed to “resist annexation” and maintain Taiwan’s distinct identity.
China, however, remains steadfast in its view that Taiwan’s independence and peace in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible. The drills, conducted in “areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island,” focused on “sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade on key ports and areas,” and included practice “assault on maritime and ground targets.”
The Chinese coast guard also conducted “inspections” around Taiwan, with four fleets encircling the island in an anti-clockwise direction. Taiwan, in turn, reported that four formations of Chinese coast guard ships patrolled the island and briefly entered its restricted waters, but not its prohibited waters.
The escalating military activity around Taiwan mirrors a broader pattern of China’s growing assertiveness in the region. China has significantly ramped up its military activity around Taiwan in recent years, sending warplanes and other military aircraft while its ships maintain a near-constant presence around the island’s waters.
Despite the heightened military posturing, many residents of Taipei appeared to be largely unperturbed by the drills. As one local engineer put it, “I won’t panic too much because they quite often have drills. It’s not the first time in recent years anyway, so I feel a bit numb.” However, the drills serve as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the Taiwan Strait and the potential for conflict if tensions escalate further.
