Taiwan Condemns China's Latest Military Drills as "Unreasonable Provocation"

Taiwan has strongly condemned China's latest military exercises around the self-governing island, labeling them an "unreasonable provocation." Beijing deployed warships and fighter jets in what it described as a "stern warning" to "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces" ¹. The Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command confirmed the drills, code-named Joint Sword-2024B, involved joint operations of the army, navy, air force, and rocket force in the Taiwan Strait and encircling Taiwan.

Background and Reactions

China's military exercises around Taiwan have become increasingly frequent in recent years, often coinciding with events that anger Beijing. Analysts view these drills as part of a strategy to keep Taiwan under pressure and normalize regular war games ¹. The United States expressed serious concern, calling the drills "unwarranted" and risking escalation. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te reassured citizens that the government will defend Taiwan's democracy and freedom.

Key Points:

- China's Military Drills: Involved warships, fighter jets, and amphibious assault vessels.
- Taiwan's Response: Strongly condemned the drills as an "unreasonable provocation."
- International Concern: The United States expressed serious concern, calling for restraint.
- Underlying Tensions: China views Taiwan as a "breakaway province" and has vowed to "reunify" with the island, by force if necessary.

The situation remains tense, with Taiwan's Defense Ministry detecting 125 Chinese fighter jets, choppers, and drones around Taiwan, and seven Chinese warships plus additional Coast Guard vessels near the Taiwan Strait.