China Conducts Joint Sword-2024B Military DrillsAround Taiwan, Demonstrating Resolve Against Taiwan Independence
Beijing, October14, 2024 – The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted the Joint Sword-2024B military exercises around Taiwan, sending a strong message of deterrence against Taiwan independence forces. The drills, which began on October14th, involve multiple branches of the PLA, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force.
The drills are taking place in the Taiwan Strait, north, south, and east of the island, with naval vessels and aircraftoperating in close proximity to Taiwan. The exercises focus on various aspects of combat readiness, including:
- Sea and air combat readiness patrols: This involves monitoring and tracking potential threats in the surrounding airspace and waters.
- Key port andarea control: This aims to establish and maintain control over strategically important locations, including ports and airfields.
- Sea and land strikes: This involves simulating attacks on potential targets, both at sea and on land.
- Gaining comprehensive control: This encompasses a range of capabilities, including electronic warfare, information warfare, andlogistics, to achieve dominance over the battlefield.
The drills aim to test the Eastern Theater Command’s ability to conduct joint operations and showcase its combat readiness. They are a direct response to what China perceives as increasing Taiwan independence activities, particularly the recent visit of US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to Taiwan in April 2024.
Escalating Tensions and China’s Response
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. The One China policy, which is recognized by most countries, states that there is only one sovereign state called China, andTaiwan is part of it.
However, Taiwan has its own democratically elected government and maintains a separate military. The island has been governed independently since 1949, when the Chinese Communist Party defeated the Nationalist government in the Chinese Civil War and the Nationalists fled to Taiwan.
In recent years, tensionsbetween China and Taiwan have escalated, with China increasingly asserting its claim over the island. This includes conducting regular military exercises near Taiwan, sending warships and aircraft into the Taiwan Strait, and increasing diplomatic pressure on countries to sever ties with Taiwan.
International Reactions
The Joint Sword-2024B drills havedrawn international attention, with countries expressing concerns about the potential for escalation. The United States, which has a longstanding commitment to Taiwan’s defense, has condemned China’s military activities and reiterated its support for Taiwan’s self-defense.
Taiwan has also condemned the drills, calling them a threat to regional peace andstability. The Taiwanese government has vowed to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Analysis and Implications
The Joint Sword-2024B drills are a clear demonstration of China’s military capabilities and its determination to prevent Taiwan from declaring independence. They also serve as a warning to the United States and othercountries that China will not tolerate any interference in its affairs.
The drills are likely to further escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait and increase the risk of a military conflict. It remains to be seen how the United States and other countries will respond to China’s actions, but the situation is undoubtedly becoming more volatile.
Conclusion
China’s Joint Sword-2024B military exercises around Taiwan are a significant development in the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan. They demonstrate China’s resolve to prevent Taiwan from declaring independence and serve as a warning to the United States and other countries. The situation in the Taiwan Strait is becomingincreasingly complex and dangerous, and the potential for conflict remains a serious concern.
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