China don start new round of military exercises around Taiwan, and dis one dey happen just few days after Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te make him first National Day speech. The exercises, wey dem call Joint Sword-2024B, dey involve naval vessels and aircraft, and dem dey conduct am in areas north, south, and east of Taiwan.
Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese military, say the exercises dey focus on things like air-sea combat readiness patrols, blockades of strategic ports, and assaults on both maritime and land targets. Li describe the exercises as “legitimate and essential operation for upholding national sovereignty and unity,” but him no specify when dem go end.
Taiwan Ministry of Defence strongly condemn China’s actions, calling dem “irrational and provocative.” Dem say dem deploy suitable forces to protect freedom, democracy, and the island’s sovereignty. Taiwan also detect Chinese aircraft carrier group to its south in the Bashi Channel, wey separate the island from the Philippines.
President Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech, where him vow to resist any attempts at “annexation or encroachment” and assert that Beijing no get the authority to represent the 23 million people of Taiwan, trigger the Chinese response. China dey see Taiwan as part of its territory and dey intensify military presence around the island.
Analysts like Bonnie Glaser from the German Marshall Fund’s Indo-Pacific program say the exercises serve to demonstrate the Chinese Communist Party’s commitment to safeguarding its territory and sending a warning to both Taipei and Washington. The White House and US officials also dey monitor the situation closely, urging China to exercise restraint.
The drills also include law enforcement patrols by the Chinese Coast Guard around Taiwan’s main island, as part of their effort to assert control based on the one-China principle. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council condemn the drills as “blatant provocations” that jeopardize peace and stability.
