Taiwan denounced recent Chinese military exercises around the self-governing island as an "unreasonable provocation"

 

Taiwan has denounced the recent Chinese military exercises around the self-governing island as an "unreasonable provocation", characterized by Beijing's deployment of warships and fighter jets as a stern warning against separatist activities by Taiwan independence forces. The Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command announced Monday that the drills, involving coordinated operations of the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, are taking place in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding areas. These exercises, aimed at Taiwan, a democratic nation of 23 million people, have increased in frequency in recent years, often coinciding with events that provoke Beijing. For example, military exercises were conducted in August 2022 following a visit to the island by former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Similarly, drills in May occurred after the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who Beijing has criticized as a dangerous separatist. The latest drills, named Joint Sword-2024B, are seen as a continuation of those conducted five months ago. Prior to the exercises, the Eastern Theater Command released a propaganda video titled "prepared for battle" on its social media platforms. The video, approximately one minute long, depicts fighter jets, warships, amphibious assault vessels in action, and the mobilization of missile launchers. The accompanying text specifies that the command is "ready for battle at all times and able to engage in combat whenever necessary."