China begins major military exercises around Taiwan

China has once again begun a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan. In a statement, the Chinese army issued a “dangerous warning” to the “separatist” forces in the island republic.

Ships and planes approached from several directions and literally surrounded the island. China Broadcasting Corporation (CCTV) released a map showing six large red blocks around Taiwan where the exercises are taking place.

Maneuvers after the Taiwanese President's speech

There have been reports in recent days that China may conduct a drill in response to a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te last week on the occasion of National Day on October 10. After the May exercise was called “Joint Sword-2024A,” the current exercise became known as “Joint Sword-2024B.”

Taiwan's Defense Ministry described the Chinese drills as an “irrational provocation.” It said it had sent its armed forces “to take concrete measures to protect freedom and democracy.”

Most recently, the Chinese People's Liberation Army launched a major military exercise around Taiwan in May. The training was conducted shortly after Lai's inauguration. His Democratic Progressive Party won the presidential election in January, and he advocates an approach critical of Beijing. The ruling Communist Party in Beijing accuses the Democratic Progressive Party of secession.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province, although independent, democratically elected governments have been in power there for decades. The leadership in Beijing has threatened several times to unify the island, with a population of more than 23 million, and the mainland using coercive military force.