China conducted drills around Taiwan involving fighter jets and warships on Monday, aiming to send a strong message to what it considers separatist elements on the self-ruled island. Beijing has held four rounds of large-scale war games in the past two years, indicating its willingness to use force to bring the island under its control.
The United States criticised Chinas actions as unwarranted and potentially escalating, urging Beijing to exercise restraint.
Taiwan denounced the recent exercises as irrational and provocative, stating that appropriate forces have been deployed in response. The defence ministry confirmed that outlying islands under Taiwanese administration are on high alert and ready to respond to any hostile situations according to engagement rules.
President Lai Ching-te, who assumed office in May, has been more vocal than his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, in defending the countrys sovereignty, which has irked Beijing, leading to accusations of separatism.
According to Captain Li Xi, a Chinese military spokesman for the Eastern Theatre Command, the Joint Sword-2024B drills are designed to test the joint operations capabilities of the theatre commands troops. They are being conducted north, south, and east of the Island, focusing on sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade of key ports and areas, and assault on maritime and ground targets.
