The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducts joint military drills surrounding Taiwan to send a stern warning to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists. Troops from army, navy, air force, and rocket force participate in the exercise named Joint Sword-2024B.
The drills focus on sea-air combat readiness, blockade on key ports, assault on targets, and joint seizure of superiority to test operational capabilities. The exercise serves to safeguard state sovereignty and national unity, according to Senior Captain Li Xi.
The exercise is in response to Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te’s speech claiming Taiwan’s independence. It aims to deter provocations of separatist forces seeking independence and defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Analysts note significant breakthroughs in the exercise, including patrols around Taiwan, participation of the Liaoning aircraft carrier group, and the PLA’s strategic depth in squeezing Taiwan’s defense space.