Eastern Theater Command Drills Pierce Taiwan’s Porcupine Defense
Beijing, October14, 2024 – The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted a series of drills codenamed Joint Sword-2024B, further escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Thedrills, which took place in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, are seen as a direct challenge to Taiwan’s porcupine defense strategy, a doctrineaimed at deterring a potential Chinese invasion by making Taiwan a difficult and costly target.
The drills, which were announced by the Eastern Theater Command, featured a wider range of exercises and a more aggressive posture than the previous Joint Sword-2024A drills. The drills were characterized by their intensity, precision, and the inclusion of a wider range of military assets, including warships, fighter jets, and ballistic missiles.
A More Aggressive Posture
The Joint Sword-2024B drills marked a significant escalation in the PLA’s military activities around Taiwan. The drills involved six distinct exercise zones, an increase from the five zones used in the previous drills. These zones were strategically chosen to target key areas of Taiwan’s defenses, including its economic and political center in thenorth, its military bases in the east, and its southern spiritual stronghold where the Taiwan independence movement is strongest.
The drills are a clear message that the PLA is prepared to take decisive action to prevent Taiwan’s independence, said Fu Zhengnan, a military expert from the Academy of Military Sciences. The drills are designed to demonstrate the PLA’s ability to overwhelm Taiwan’s defenses and achieve its objectives.
Breaking Through Taiwan’s Porcupine Defense
The Joint Sword-2024B drills are seen as a direct challenge to Taiwan’s porcupine defense strategy.This strategy relies on a layered defense system, including a combination of conventional and asymmetric warfare tactics, to deter a potential Chinese invasion. However, the PLA’s drills have demonstrated its ability to overcome these defenses.
The PLA’s drills are a clear indication that they are developing new capabilities and tactics to overcome Taiwan’s defenses, said a senior Taiwanese military official, who requested anonymity. The PLA is no longer just focusing on traditional military capabilities, but is also incorporating new technologies and strategies to achieve its objectives.
The Role of Technology and Intelligence
The Joint Sword-2024B drills were characterized by the use of advancedtechnologies, including satellite imagery, drones, and cyber warfare capabilities. These technologies allowed the PLA to achieve a high degree of situational awareness and target Taiwan’s defenses with precision.
The PLA is leveraging its technological advancements to achieve a significant advantage over Taiwan, said Fu Zhengnan. The use of advanced sensors and intelligencegathering capabilities allows the PLA to see through Taiwan’s defenses and target its vulnerabilities.
The Importance of Joint Sword-2024B
The Joint Sword-2024B drills are a significant development in the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan. They demonstrate the PLA’s growing military capabilities and its willingness to use force to achieve its objectives. The drills have also raised concerns about the potential for a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, which could have significant implications for regional stability and global security.
The PLA’s actions are a clear warning to Taiwan and its supporters, said a seniorU.S. military official. The United States remains committed to Taiwan’s security, but we are also concerned about the potential for a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
Conclusion
The Joint Sword-2024B drills are a stark reminder of the growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The drills demonstrate the PLA’s increasing military capabilities and its willingness to use force to achieve its objectives. They also highlight the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving the Taiwan issue.
References:
- Eastern Theater Command Drills Pierce Taiwan’s ‘Porcupine Defense’, Phoenix News, October 14, 2024.
- Taiwan’s ‘Porcupine Defense’ Strategy: A Deterrent to Chinese Invasion?, The Diplomat, October 10, 2024.
- PLA’s ‘Joint Sword-2024B’ Drills: A New Era ofWarfare?, The Jamestown Foundation, October 12, 2024.
- U.S. Remains Committed to Taiwan’s Security Amidst Rising Tensions, The New York Times, October 13, 2024.
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