The Chinese destroyer Nanning. PHOTO: Liu Fang / Xinhua News
China’s military has launched large-scale military exercises near Taiwan, aimed at blocking the island’s key ports and international routes, as well as countering foreign interference. This was reported by a senior Taiwanese security official in a comment to Reuters.
The exercise, dubbed Joint Sword 2024B, covers not only the Taiwan Strait but also areas to the north, south and east of the island. The Command of China’s Eastern Military District noted that these actions are a “legitimate and necessary operation” to protect state sovereignty and national unity, stressing that this is a serious warning to forces advocating Taiwan’s independence.
According to the Taiwanese government, the drills are another response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-de’s recent Independence Day speech, in which he stressed that China has no right to represent Taiwan, although he left open the possibility of cooperation. Beijing reacted strongly, condemning these statements.
Manoeuvres as preparation for a blockade
According to Taiwanese sources, China is preparing to blockade Taiwan’s ports in the north and south of the island, as well as to control international routes. At the same time, Chinese ships and aircraft are approaching the island from different directions, practicing combat patrols, blockading key areas, and striking at sea and land targets.
A Chinese military map shows several exercise zones around Taiwan: two on the island’s east coast, three on the west coast, and another in the north, including around Taiwanese-controlled islands close to the Chinese coast. The presence of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and support ships in eastern Taiwan was also confirmed.
Reactions from Taiwan and the international community
The Taiwanese military put its forces on alert, mobilising the navy and air force. The government’s National Security Council also convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss the situation. Taiwanese officials called on China to refrain from military provocations that could disrupt peace and stability in the region.
The United States has also expressed concern about the situation. In a statement, the US State Department said there was no reason for such manoeuvres and that China should act with restraint to avoid escalation.
So far, the Taiwanese stock exchange has ignored the tension, showing a slight increase, and there have been no public signs of panic. However, the Taiwanese military is closely monitoring the situation, especially after the Chinese press declared its readiness for military action and military publications warned that “playing with fire is dangerous”.
International context
At the same time, the Chinese military did not limit itself to the Taiwan Strait. On Monday, the Chinese navy, together with the Russian military, conducted exercises in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. According to Russian media, the warships of the two countries performed anti-submarine warfare and air defence missions.
Joint military exercises between Russia and China have become more frequent in recent years, indicating deepening security cooperation. This cooperation is a cause for concern amid tense relations with the United States and its allies.
Exercise Joint Sword 2024B is a continuation of the previous manoeuvres held in May 2024, immediately after Lai Ching-de took office. At the time, Beijing called the exercise a “punishment” for the speeches of the Taiwanese president, who has repeatedly stated that he is ready to negotiate with China but insists that only the Taiwanese have the right to decide their future.
