A Taiwanese Mirage 2000 fighter jet is seen getting ready to land at an air force base in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on October 14, 2024, as Chinese military drills take place near the island. Getty Images
Taiwan has denounced China's recent military exercises near the island as an "unreasonable provocation." The Chinese military deployed warships, fighter jets, and other forces in a show of strength aimed at discouraging Taiwan's push for independence. China's Eastern Theater Command stated the drills were a "stern warning" to what they called "separatist acts" by forces seeking Taiwan's independence. The drills took place in the Taiwan Strait, the narrow stretch of water between Taiwan and mainland China, as well as around the island.
China has increased the frequency of its military operations near Taiwan in recent years, often timed with events that irritate Beijing. For instance, when former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, China launched week-long military drills. Similarly, in May, military drills followed the inauguration of Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing views as a dangerous separatist.
The latest round of exercises, named "Joint Sword-2024B," comes as a follow-up to drills conducted five months ago. To signal the start of these drills, the Chinese military posted a dramatic one-minute propaganda video on social media. The video showcased fighter jets, warships, amphibious vessels, and missile launchers, emphasizing China's readiness for battle "at all times."
In response to the drills, Taiwan's Defense Ministry condemned the exercises as an "unreasonable provocation" and deployed its own military forces. Taiwan's presidential office also criticized China's actions, calling for an end to military provocations that undermine peace and stability in the region. President Lai convened national security meetings to discuss Taiwan’s strategy for dealing with the drills.
The tensions increased as Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported the presence of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning near the Bashi Channel, located south of Taiwan, separating it from the Philippines. The carrier is expected to move towards the western Pacific Ocean, adding further strain to the already volatile situation.
These drills came on the heels of President Lai’s National Day speech, in which he emphasized that Taiwan "is not subordinate" to China and reiterated that Beijing has no right to represent the island. In an earlier speech, Lai declared that Taiwan is already a "sovereign and independent country" and that Communist China could never be Taiwan's motherland.
China has long claimed Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to "reunify" with the self-governed island, using force if necessary. However, Taiwan's people largely identify as Taiwanese and reject being part of the People's Republic of China. Although Chinese leaders have consistently expressed a desire to take control of Taiwan, Xi Jinping, China's current leader, has taken a more aggressive stance, increasing tensions and raising concerns about potential military conflict.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated that the drills focused on a variety of military tactics, including sea-air patrols, blockades of key areas, and assaults on maritime and land targets. The PLA's Eastern Command released a map showing drills in nine areas surrounding Taiwan, including its outlying islands closer to mainland China. The drills also involved China's Coast Guard, operating around Taiwan and nearby islands.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry detected 25 Chinese aircraft and 11 warships in the region. The U.S. government expressed serious concerns over the exercises, calling them unnecessary military provocations that could escalate tensions further. The U.S. urged China to act with restraint and avoid actions that could destabilize the region.
