China has escalated military tensions with Taiwan by conducting large-scale drills, which the Chinese military claims serve as a “stern warning” against Taiwan’s independence movement. These exercises involved joint operations from China’s army, navy, air force, and rocket force in the Taiwan Strait and around the island.
Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, has condemned these actions as an “unreasonable provocation” and responded by dispatching its own military forces. This latest round of exercises, code-named Joint Sword-2024B, follows a pattern of military actions coinciding with events that anger Beijing, such as the inauguration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and past visits from foreign dignitaries like former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Ahead of the drills, China released a propaganda video showcasing its military readiness with visuals of fighter jets, warships, amphibious assault vessels, and missile launchers. The Eastern Theater Command stressed that its forces are prepared for battle at any time.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry strongly condemned the drills and called for China to cease its military provocations, emphasizing the negative impact on regional peace and stability. Taiwanese President Lai reassured his citizens that the government remains committed to defending Taiwan’s democracy and safeguarding national security amid the growing threats from China.
China Escalates Tensions with Taiwan Through Large-Scale Military Drills as a ‘Stern Warning’
The drills intensified after President Lai’s National Day speech, where he reaffirmed that Taiwan is not subordinate to China and criticized Beijing’s claims over the island.
Lai, who has consistently championed Taiwan’s sovereignty, has become a target of Beijing’s ire for rejecting the notion of Taiwan being part of Communist China. Despite China’s longstanding claim that it will eventually “reunify” Taiwan by force if necessary, many on the island identify as distinctly Taiwanese and reject the idea of being part of the People’s Republic of China.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) revealed that the latest exercises included vessels and aircraft approaching Taiwan from various directions, simulating a blockade of key ports and attacks on maritime and ground targets. However, the PLA did not indicate whether live fire was involved.
This pattern of military drills near Taiwan is seen as part of China’s increasing assertiveness under President Xi Jinping, which has significantly heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait and raised concerns about the possibility of military conflict.
In addition to military maneuvers, China’s Coast Guard was involved in operations near Taiwan and its outlying islands. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry detected multiple Chinese aircraft and warships, some of which crossed the Taiwan Strait’s Median Line, a boundary that Beijing no longer recognizes.
The drills are considered part of China’s “gray zone” tactics—actions that provoke Taiwan without triggering outright war. Meanwhile, the U.S. expressed serious concern over China’s military provocations, calling for restraint and warning against actions that could further destabilize the region.
