INTERNATIONAL – China initiated large-scale military exercises around Taiwan on Thursday, May 23, describing them as “punishment drills” in response to what it called “separatist acts.” The drills featured heavily armed warplanes, mock attacks, and naval maneuvers, coinciding with Chinese state media criticism of Taiwan’s newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te.
Tensions Rise After Lai’s Inauguration
The drills began three days after Lai, whom Beijing labels a “separatist,” assumed office. In his inaugural speech, Lai emphasized Taiwan’s sovereignty, stating that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are “not subordinate to each other” and urging China to halt its threats. In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi denounced Lai as “disgraceful.” Despite repeated offers for dialogue with China, Lai maintains that Taiwan’s future should be decided solely by its 23 million citizens, rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
Extensive Military Exercises
China’s Eastern Theatre Command announced the commencement of joint drills involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. Dubbed “Joint Sword – 2024A,” these exercises are being conducted around Taiwan, including areas near the Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin islands under Taiwan’s control. Chinese state media reported dozens of fighter jets armed with live missiles and mock strikes targeting key military assets.
Unlike similar drills in April 2023, the “2024A” designation suggests potential follow-up exercises. The maneuvers, aimed at testing joint combat readiness, focus on precision strikes, sea-air combat patrols, and integrated operations inside and outside the island chain.
Taiwan’s Response and Regional Implications
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense condemned the drills as harmful to regional stability. It reported deploying air and land-based missile defenses while closely monitoring Chinese movements. The ministry assured citizens of Taiwan’s ability to safeguard its territory, criticizing China’s “militaristic mentality” and unilateral provocations.
The Taiwanese presidential office expressed regret over China’s actions, which it said threatened Taiwan’s democratic freedoms and regional peace. Despite the heightened activity, life in Taiwan continued as usual, with citizens accustomed to Chinese military displays.
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Broader Context
China’s military has intensified its presence near Taiwan over the past four years, frequently crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait. While the current drills involve a broader scope, including Taiwan’s outlying islands, analysts view them as part of China’s strategy to assert control over the region and deter foreign interference.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, asserting that decisions about the island’s future rest with its 1.4 billion citizens. Beijing’s military activities have escalated since events such as former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022, which triggered unprecedented live-fire exercises.
The latest drills serve as both a warning to Taiwan and a display of China’s military capabilities, underscoring the ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
