China Launches Extensive 'War Games' Near Taiwan to Discourage Independence; US and Taipei Condemn the Exercises
China, which asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, deployed an aircraft carrier and warplanes near the island as a warning against calls for Taiwanese independence
China War Games
On Monday, the Chinese military conducted large-scale exercises around Taiwan and its outlying islands, deploying an aircraft carrier and warplanes as a warning against what it termed the "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces." China's Defence Ministry stated the drills were a response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's refusal to acknowledge Taiwan as part of the People's Republic of China.
The exercises involved the Liaoning aircraft carrier and included J-15 fighter jets taking off from its decks. Chinese warships and aircraft approached Taiwan from various directions, focusing on sea-air combat readiness and targeting key maritime and ground locations. The exercises also featured simulated missile launches and patrols by the Chinese coast guard around Taiwan's offshore islands.
The drills were timed to coincide with Taiwan's National Day celebrations, during which President Lai emphasised Taiwan's right to self-determination and called for China to cease military provocations. In response, China’s Eastern Theatre Command labelled the exercises "Joint Sword-2024B" as a necessary operation to safeguard state sovereignty and unity.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported tracking multiple Chinese warplanes and ships, readying its own military assets for potential aggression. Concurrently, Beijing imposed sanctions on Taiwanese tech tycoon Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for their support of separatist activities.
In reaction to China's manoeuvres, President Lai condemned the exercises as destabilising and coercive. The U.S. administration also expressed concern, urging China to exercise restraint and avoid actions that threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated in recent years, with China regularly conducting military drills near the island as it maintains its stance that Taiwan must be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary.
