TAIPEI, Oct 14 (The Real Republic) – China’s military conducted war games near Taiwan, stating they were a warning against “separatist acts.” The drills drew criticism from both Taiwanese and U.S. officials.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te condemned China after asserting that only Taiwan’s people can determine their future. The Chinese military labeled the exercises, named “Joint Sword-2024B,” a “stern warning” and threatened further actions if Taiwan continues to pursue independence.
【Video】Check out footage from the Chinese #PLA Eastern Theater Command's "Joint Sword-2024B" drills surrounding the #Taiwan Island. (Source: PLA Eastern Theater Command Sina Weibo account) pic.twitter.com/ZHbJ3hjZgl
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) October 14, 2024
The Pentagon criticized the drills as destabilizing. While China’s military maneuvers included air and sea patrols, there were no reports of live-fire exercises or missile launches. However, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry noted the highest number of Chinese military aircraft detected in a single day.
🚨🇹🇼🇨🇳 The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has begun conducting military drills, code-named ‘Joint Sword-2024B,’ in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island
— AnonTroyanoVirus303.🎩🍀 Anonymous 🇯🇵 Kamikaze (@AnonTroyano303) October 14, 2024
– Spokesperson of the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command pic.twitter.com/4fwIMOMRxp
Security analysts observed that the drills were less aggressive than previous exercises in 2022 and suggested they might be aimed at avoiding escalating tensions during the U.S. presidential race.
In a notable move, Chinese coastguard vessels patrolled near Taiwan’s offshore islands, marking a new level of pressure. Taiwan’s officials labeled these actions as “blatant provocations,” while the U.S. called for restraint from China. Despite the tensions, Taiwan’s stock market remained stable, indicating limited public concern.
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