Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated sharply as China initiated large-scale military exercises around Taiwan on October 14, 2024. These drills, branded as "Joint Sword-2024B," come as a direct response to comments made by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te during his recent National Day speech, in which he reiterated Taiwan's sovereignty and rejected China's claim over the island. The exercises were framed by Beijing as a stern warning to "separatist forces" in Taiwan's government.
China’s military drills, led by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), included air and sea maneuvers involving fighter jets, warships, and Coast Guard vessels, encircling Taiwan from multiple directions. The exercises focused on combat readiness, blockading key Taiwanese ports, and simulating maritime and ground assaults. Beijing views these operations as essential to defending its sovereignty and demonstrating its military prowess, particularly as tensions over Taiwan’s independence have grown since Lai’s election in January 2024. China had labeled him a “dangerous separatist” shortly after his election victory, setting the stage for heightened military activities throughout the year.
❗️🇨🇳⚔️🇹🇼 – China began new military exercises on Monday, October 14, 2024, in the vicinity of Taiwan as part of the "Joint Sword-2024B" operation.
The maneuvers cover the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of the island, and are described as a "stern warning"… pic.twitter.com/UptbqIdHoq
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) October 14, 2024
This latest round of military drills is reminiscent of the 2022 exercises following then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. At that time, China staged live-fire drills, but the scale and intensity of the 2024 operations are more extensive, reflecting Beijing’s increasing frustration with Taiwan’s push for greater global recognition and its rejection of Chinese reunification.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported sightings of at least 15 PLA warships and numerous fighter jets in the region, with some encroaching into Taiwanese airspace, further heightening the island's alert status.
🛑👀🛑 #China has launched its "#JointSword 2024B" military exercises, surrounding #Taiwan with manoeuvres from the north, south, east, and west. These drills are designed to simulate a comprehensive military encirclement of Taiwan, highlighting China's military readiness and… pic.twitter.com/WDGrurk7Hc
— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) October 14, 2024
China’s actions appear to be part of a broader strategy to intimidate the Taiwanese government while also testing its military capabilities. The inclusion of China’s Coast Guard in the drills marks a notable development, as the Coast Guard worked in tandem with the navy to enforce maritime claims, simulating a potential blockade of Taiwan in the event of a future conflict. Experts suggest that these drills are also an opportunity for China to evaluate its aircraft carrier Liaoning, which played a central role in the maneuvers following recent repairs.
Despite China's aggressive posturing, Taiwan remains resolute in its stance. The island's Mainland Affairs Council stated that Taiwan would not be cowed by military threats, emphasizing that life on the island continues as usual despite the frequent displays of Chinese military force. Many Taiwanese citizens have become accustomed to such drills, though concerns persist over the potential for a serious military escalation.
International responses to China’s latest drills have been swift, with the United States condemning the move. U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Taiwan's defense through arms sales and diplomatic efforts. Washington views Taiwan as a critical partner in maintaining regional stability in East Asia, especially given its strategic location and democratic governance. Meanwhile, Japan and other regional powers have also expressed concern about China's increasing militarization in the Taiwan Strait.
The exercises are widely seen as a prelude to a potential conflict over Taiwan’s future, with China increasingly willing to flex its military might in an effort to pressure Taiwan into reunification. The Biden administration has repeatedly warned that any military action against Taiwan would have significant consequences, although the exact nature of the U.S. response remains unclear. For now, China appears content to use these drills as both a show of force and a test of its growing military capabilities, while Taiwan stands firm in its pursuit of maintaining its de facto independence.
