China conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan as a warning to “independence forces” on the island following criticism of a speech by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who rejected China’s right to represent Taiwan. The drills, called “Joint Sword-2024B,” involved the Chinese army, navy, air force, and rocket force testing joint operations capabilities around Taiwan. The Chinese Defense Ministry stated that the exercises were necessary for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense condemned the war games as irrational and provocative, while the Mainland Affairs Council expressed disappointment that the exercises disregarded the goodwill of the Taiwanese government. China has increased military activities near Taiwan in recent years, although a majority of people in Taiwan believe an invasion by China in the next five years is unlikely.
President Lai emphasized in his National Day speech that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other and reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to resisting encroachment on its sovereignty. Chinese officials criticized Lai for promoting Taiwan independence and trying to worsen cross-Strait tensions for political gain, insisting that Taiwan is a part of China. Despite the tensions, Lai expressed willingness to work with Beijing on global challenges such as climate change.
The drills around Taiwan serve as a display of China’s military strength and determination to prevent Taiwan independence, while highlighting the ongoing political tensions between the two sides.
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