In response to Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s speech on October 10, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted the Joint Sword-2024B military drills around the island of Taiwan on Monday.
The drills involved naval vessels and aircraft approaching the island from multiple directions, showcasing coordinated assaults by joint forces. This military move demonstrates the Chinese mainland’s determination to safeguard its territorial integrity and the PLA’s capability to operate under real combat conditions.
Context of the Drills
The PLA’s actions come after Lai Ching-te’s recent speech, which the Chinese mainland perceived as promoting “Taiwan independence.” The drills serve as a pointed response to what the mainland views as separatist activities and a warning against external interference in cross-strait relations.
The Chinese mainland asserts that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory and emphasizes its right to take necessary measures, including military activities, to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reactions and Implications
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized the PLA’s military exercises, accusing the Chinese mainland of undermining regional peace and stability. However, the intensity and frequency of the mainland’s military activities are said to depend on the extent of what it perceives as provocations from the DPP.
The codename of the exercise, Joint Sword-2024B, following Joint Sword-2024A conducted in May, suggests that more extensive military drills may occur if tensions persist. The Chinese mainland’s military actions are intended as a deterrent against separatist movements and to signal its firm stance on sovereignty issues.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
