The military of China has initiated a new series of war exercises near Taiwan, labeling them as a warning against the “separatist actions of Taiwan independence forces,” which has drawn backlash from both Taipei and the US governments.
Taiwan, which operates under a democratic government and is viewed by China as its own territory, has been on high alert for additional military drills following President Lai Ching-te’s national day speech last week. China condemned this address after Mr. Lai stated that China lacked the right to represent Taiwan, despite his willingness to cooperate with China.
According to the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese military, the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercises are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan.
In a statement released in both Chinese and English, the command asserted, “The drill also serves as a stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces. It is a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity.”
The command has not disclosed when the drills will conclude.
A map was published outlining nine designated zones around Taiwan for the exercises: two off the island’s east coast, three on the west coast, one to the north, and three near Taiwan-controlled islands adjacent to the Chinese coast.
Chinese vessels and aircraft are reportedly nearing Taiwan “from various directions,” concentrating on sea-air combat readiness, blocking crucial ports and regions, attacking maritime and ground targets, and working towards “joint seizure of comprehensive superiority,” the command stated.
In Hsinchu, a Taiwanese Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet is seen preparing to land at an air force base.
Nonetheless, there was no announcement regarding any live-fire drills or established no-fly zones.
Following then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022, China retaliated by firing missiles over the island.
Chinese state media reported that the coast guard conducted rare operations around Taiwan, encircling the island and performing “law enforcement” patrols near Taiwan’s offshore islands.
The Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for Taiwan’s China policy, criticized China’s latest military exercises and unwillingness to renounce the use of force as “obvious provocations” that severely threaten regional peace and stability.
Faced with escalating political, military, and economic threats from China, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council affirmed that Taiwan would not yield. The statement added, “President Lai has already expressed his goodwill in his national day speech and is willing to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait together with the Chinese communists.”
Mr. Lai’s national day address underscored the current dynamics of cross-strait relations and the resolute commitment to ensure peace and stability while promoting future collaboration to address challenges such as climate change, the ministry noted.
It further remarked, “The Chinese communists’ claim of ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’ is a complete deviation from the truth.”
Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, indicated that Taiwan would “remain vigilant” but would strive to be “moderate and responsible, maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.”
“Global leaders are increasingly discussing the need for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Mr. Wu commented during a forum on Chinese politics in Taipei. “Taiwan will continue exploring avenues for dialogue with China.”
At an air force base in Hsinchu, two military trucks equipped with Sky Sword I missiles are visible.
Both Taiwan’s defense ministry and coast guard reported that they have deployed their respective forces.
In the US, an official from President Joe Biden’s administration stated they were closely monitoring the drills, deeming them unjustified following Mr. Lai’s “routine” speech.
The official urged China “to refrain from any further actions that could jeopardize peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the broader region.”
According to a senior Taiwanese security official who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, it is believed that China is rehearsing blockades of Taiwanese ports situated to the north and south of the island, as well as international shipping lanes, and repelling foreign forces.
Taiwan has reported the movement of a Chinese aircraft carrier group to the south of the island through the strategically significant Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines and links the South China Sea to the Pacific.
Since last Thursday, Chinese state media has published a series of articles and commentaries condemning Mr. Lai’s address, and on the following day, the Eastern Theatre Command released a video stating they were “prepared for battle.”
The PLA’s Liberation Army Daily warned, “Those who play with fire get burned!”
The paper added, “As long as the provocations for ‘Taiwan independence’ persist, the PLA’s actions to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity will not cease.”
Earlier this year, China conducted the “Joint Sword-2024A” exercises for two days around Taiwan shortly after Mr. Lai assumed office, claiming them as “punishment” for separatist rhetoric in his inauguration speech.
Despite Mr. Lai’s repeated overtures for dialogue with China, he has faced rejection. He maintains that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future and disavows China’s claims of sovereignty.
