China has launched a fresh round of military drills around Taiwan, sending a clear message to what it calls “separatist” forces on the self-ruled island. The exercises, which began on Monday, were described by Beijing as a “stern warning” and represent the fourth set of large-scale war games around Taiwan in the past two years. China has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control, and the drills demonstrate its continued military pressure on the island.
The latest exercises come just days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Beijing against retaliating to a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te during Taiwan’s National Day celebrations. Lai, who assumed office in May, has been more vocal about defending Taiwan’s sovereignty compared to his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen. Lai’s stance has drawn anger from Beijing, which has labeled him a “separatist.” Taiwan, in response, condemned China’s drills as “irrational and provocative” and announced it had dispatched “appropriate forces” to monitor the situation.
The drills, dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, are focused on testing joint operations capabilities, according to Chinese military officials. They involve operations in areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan and include air and sea combat-readiness patrols, blockades on key ports, and simulated assaults on maritime and ground targets. China’s coast guard also participated, conducting “inspections” around Taiwan, with Chinese fleets reportedly encircling the island.
Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed that its forces had detected Chinese coast guard ships in the island’s northern, southwestern, and eastern waters. In addition, a Chinese aircraft carrier group was spotted in the Bashi Channel to Taiwan’s south, possibly heading towards the western Pacific. Taiwan responded by putting its forces on high alert. “All officers and soldiers of the country are in full readiness,” said Taiwan’s defense ministry, adding that the nation was “determined and confident” in its ability to safeguard its security.
In his speech last Thursday, President Lai vowed to “resist annexation” and reiterated that Taiwan and Beijing were “not subordinate to each other.” Beijing, in turn, warned that Lai’s “provocations” would bring disaster to the people of Taiwan. Chinese state media emphasized that these drills are a “legitimate and necessary operation” to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity, signaling China’s ongoing determination to prevent what it sees as attempts to push Taiwan toward formal independence.
This ongoing dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to the civil war of 1949, when nationalist forces fled to Taiwan after being defeated by the communists. Today, Taiwan maintains its own government, military, and currency, though Beijing continues its efforts to diplomatically isolate the island on the international stage.
The post appeared first on .
You may also like
'Britain's best known bookie' who rose to fame on Channel 4's The Morning Line dies
Angel Reese brutally told to copy WNBA rival Caitlin Clark with X-rated put-down
Coleen Rooney's I'm A Celeb stint sparks bumper payday for Becky Vardy as spat takes unexpected twist
BMC announces 5-10 per cent water cut across Mumbai on October 17-18
'Never give up': UAE women share stories of strength, healing
Kashi residents express gratitude to PM Modi for approval of new rail-road bridge
Zakir Naik a fugitive, plea should not be entertained: Maha govt to SC
Spain horror as UK girl, 3, drowns after falling into pool 'without parents realising'
Erik ten Hag left sweating ahead of Man Utd vs Brentford as injury list hits double figures
Nagas need to be united, live in peace for development of Nagaland: CM Neiphiu Rio
If there's a party in the evening, follow these tips for a rose-like glowing face
Tipping Point fans slam player for worst game play ever after blowing huge lead
Striker who missed AFCON over gender row nominated for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year
West Bengal: Woman's half-charred body found in Nadia, one held
Seven of family killed in car accident in Telangana's Medak; CM expresses grief
Spain reach Nations League quarters, Ronaldo's Portugal held by Scotland
Former AAP MLA Kartar Singh Tanwar moves to HC challenging his disqualification from Assembly
Is Sabrina Carpenter cursing sports teams? Why the singer seems to be a bad luck charm!
Daniel Levy agrees to meeting as Tottenham fans given hope on 'misguided' ticket price plan
National Lottery winner urged to come forward with winning £3.6million Set for Life ticket