China launches new military drills near Taiwan

In a significant escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait, China has launched a new round of military drills around Taiwan, prompting strong reactions from both sides. The exercises, code-named Joint Sword-2024B, involve joint operations of the army, navy, air force, and rocket force in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters.

The Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command described the drills as a "stern warning" against "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces." This move comes in response to recent statements by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, who asserted in a national day speech that China has no right to represent Taiwan.

Taiwan has condemned the drills as an "unreasonable provocation" and has dispatched its own forces in response. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry reported that the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning had entered waters near the strategic Bashi Channel south of Taiwan, conducting exercises on vessel and jet coordination, joint air control, and maritime and land strikes.

Despite the heightened military activity, many Taiwanese citizens expressed confidence in their military's ability to defend the island. At Hsinchu Air Base, where fighter jets were taking off and landing, locals watched with a sense of assurance. One retiree, Kuo Yuen-pin, stated, "We are not worried at all, because we trust our military."

Taiwan's President Lai has convened national security meetings to discuss responses to the drills and reassured citizens that the government will continue to defend Taiwan's democracy and freedom. In a Facebook post, he emphasized the commitment to safeguarding national security in the face of external threats.

These exercises mark the latest in a series of increasingly frequent Chinese military activities around Taiwan. Similar drills were conducted in May following President Lai's inauguration, and in August 2022 after a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.