China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched the Joint Sword 2024B exercise around Taiwan to slow the island’s push toward independence. This was stated by the official representative of the PLA Eastern Zone Combat Command, Senior Colonel Li Xi, quoted by Guancha.
According to Lee, the exercise “focuses on maritime and air combat readiness patrols and blockades of ports and key areas.” The exercises are intended to be a “powerful” deterrent to “separatist forces” seeking Taiwanese independence, the colonel said.
The purpose of holding them is also to test the troops’ combat capability, Li Xi said. China’s navy, air force, missile force and other military forces are participating in the exercise. As Guancha writes, the exercises take place throughout the territory of Taiwan: in Taiwan Bay, in the west of the island, in its eastern, southern and northern parts.
The Taiwanese side called the Chinese military exercises a provocation.
Taiwan and mainland China separated in 1949 during a civil war. The Chinese government adheres to the “one China” principle and opposes the independence of Taiwan, considering the island as its territory.
Taiwan has the support of the United States: Washington recognizes China’s sovereignty over the island, but considers Taiwan’s status to be unstable. The states supply the island with weapons and military equipment. The US president has repeatedly promised to defend the region in the event of a possible Chinese attack. joe biden. At the end of September, he signed an order to allocate $567 million to the supply of weapons and other types of military assistance to Taiwan, RBC clarifies.
