China’s Military Exercise Surrounds Taiwan and Escalates Fear
China’s Military Exercise Surrounds Taiwan
China conducted a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan on Monday, October 14. The exercise involved a vast array of naval vessels, including China’s first aircraft carrier, and dozens of aircraft. This drill, designated as “Joint Sword 2024-B,” serves as a follow-up to a massive exercise conducted earlier this year.
A Display of Military Might
The military exercise showcased China’s growing military capabilities and its ability to blockade key ports, execute strikes, and assault positions. The drill involved joint operations of warplanes, naval vessels, and coast guard ships. Among the naval assets deployed was China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier, which underwent tests focusing on vessel-aircraft coordination, air suppression, and fire strikes.
A Warning to Taiwan
The exercise was accompanied by a stern warning to Taiwan, intended to thwart any attempts at “Taiwan Independence.” China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), conducted the drills a few days after Taiwan’s National Day celebrations, signaling its determination to maintain its sovereignty over the island nation.
Taiwan Condemns Exercises
Taiwan strongly condemned the military exercises, labeling them “irrational and provocative.” Its forces were mobilized to monitor the exercise closely. The Ministry of National Defense reported a significant number of PLA aircraft and vessels operating around Taiwan during the exercise, with some entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Aircraft Deployment and Sorties
On Monday, a total of 72 PLA aircraft were tracked, with 57 of them entering the ADIZ, marking a record number of single-day incursions. Taiwan reported that 125 sorties were conducted, with 90 occurring within the ADIZ. These numbers indicate that the participating aircraft flew multiple sorties during the exercise.
Effective Blockade Simulation
Maps shared by analysts and the Ministry of Defense demonstrated that the Chinese navy and coast guard effectively surrounded the main island of Taiwan. The Liaoning operated off the island’s southeastern coast while aircraft flew sorties around Taiwan’s airspace. This maneuver simulated blockading key ports and areas, further demonstrating China’s ability to exert pressure on Taiwan.
Frequency and Intensity of Drills
The “Joint Sword” exercise is one of several large-scale military drills conducted by China around Taiwan this year. The first half of the exercise was held in May and was notable for its size and the message it conveyed about China’s military capabilities. Experts believe that the increased frequency and intensity of these drills are part of China’s strategy to normalize its presence in the area and intimidate Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te expressed concern about the drills, stating that they aimed to “undermine stability and the status quo.” He emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to cross-Strait dialogue but also its determination to protect its democratic system. The drills have raised tensions between China and Taiwan and underscored the ongoing sovereignty dispute.