China Conducts Large-scale Military Exercises Surrounding Taiwan as a Warning to Island’s President

Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated sharply as China conducted significant military exercises around Taiwan on October 14, 2024. These drills, known as “Joint Sword-2024B,” were in response to remarks made by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te during his recent National Day address, where he reiterated Taiwan’s independence and rejected China’s claims to the island. Beijing framed the exercises as a stern warning to those advocating for separation in Taiwan’s government.

The military drills by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) included air and sea activities involving fighter jets, warships, and Coast Guard vessels, encircling Taiwan from various directions. The exercises focused on combat readiness, blockading key Taiwanese ports, and simulating maritime and ground attacks. Beijing sees these operations as crucial for safeguarding its sovereignty and showcasing its military strength, especially amid heightened tensions over Taiwan’s autonomy since Lai took office in January 2024. Shortly after Lai’s election victory, China labeled him a “dangerous separatist,” setting the stage for increased military activities throughout the year​.

❗️🇨🇳⚔️🇹🇼 – China started new military exercises on Monday, October 14, 2024, near Taiwan as part of the “Joint Sword-2024B” operation.

The maneuvers spanned the Taiwan Strait and locations to the north, south, east, and west of the island, described as a “strong warning”… pic.com/UptbqIdHoq

— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) October 14, 2024

This recent round of military drills echoes the 2022 exercises following a visit by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. While China conducted live-fire drills at that time, the scale and intensity of the 2024 operations are more extensive, reflecting Beijing’s growing frustration with Taiwan’s efforts for increased global recognition and its resistance to Chinese unification​.

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the presence of at least 15 PLA warships and numerous fighter jets in the region, with some encroaching into Taiwanese airspace, heightening the island’s alert level​.

🛑👀🛑 #China launched its “#JointSword 2024B” military exercises, surrounding #Taiwan with manoeuvres from all sides. These drills simulated a full military encirclement of Taiwan, showcasing China’s preparedness and… pic.com/WDGrurk7Hc

— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) October 14, 2024

China’s actions seem to be part of a broader strategy to intimidate the Taiwanese government while testing its military capabilities. The involvement of China’s Coast Guard in the exercises is a significant development, as it collaborated with the navy to enforce maritime boundaries, mimicking a potential blockade of Taiwan in a future conflict. Analysts suggest that these drills also serve as an opportunity for China to assess its aircraft carrier Liaoning, which played a crucial role in the exercises following recent maintenance​.

Despite China’s assertive stance, Taiwan remains steadfast in its position. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council affirmed that the island would not be intimidated by military threats, emphasizing that life continues as usual on the island despite frequent displays of Chinese military power. While many Taiwanese residents have grown accustomed to such drills, concerns remain about the possibility of a significant military escalation​.

Global reactions to China’s recent drills have been prompt, with the United States denouncing the actions. U.S. officials reiterated their commitment to backing Taiwan’s defense through arms deals and diplomatic initiatives. Washington sees Taiwan as a critical ally in upholding regional stability in East Asia, given its strategic location and democratic governance. Meanwhile, Japan and other neighboring nations have voiced apprehension about China’s increasing militarization in the Taiwan Strait​.

These exercises are widely interpreted as a precursor to a potential conflict over Taiwan’s future, with China showing more willingness to exhibit its military strength to pressure Taiwan toward reunification. The Biden administration has cautioned against any military aggression toward Taiwan, warning of significant repercussions, though the specifics of the U.S. response are yet to be defined. Currently, China seems content to use these drills as a demonstration of power and a gauge of its expanding military capabilities, while Taiwan remains resolute in maintaining its de facto independence.