Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that 153 Chinese aircraft surrounded the island during massive military drills conducted by China. The surge in warplane activity was recorded over 25 hours. The ministry noting heightened regional tensions as a result of these exercises.
Record Number of Aircraft in Taiwan’s Airspace
The defense ministry stated that this marked a record number of aircraft, including fighter jets, drones, warships, and coastguard ships, deployed by China in the area. Of the total, 90 Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. In response, Taiwan dispatched “appropriate forces” and placed its outlying islands on high alert.
Beijing’s Warning: “Joint Sword-2024B” Exercise
China’s military exercise, titled “Joint Sword-2024B,” was aimed as a warning against what it called “separatist acts” by Taiwan. The drills followed a speech by Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te on National Day, where he reiterated that China has no right to represent Taiwan and pledged to resist any attempts at annexation.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office issued a strong response, calling Lai’s statements “nonsense” and labeling the drills a “resolute punishment for his continuous fabrication of Taiwan independence.”
Regional Concerns Grow
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai highlighted the impact of China’s drills, warning that the maneuvers threaten not just Taiwan but the entire region. He stressed that these unannounced exercises disturb regional peace and stability, affecting international navigational rights in both air and sea.
The Office of the President of Taiwan urged China to cease its military provocations, which undermine regional peace and threaten Taiwan’s democracy and freedom.
US and Philippine Joint Exercises
As tensions rise in the region, the United States expressed concern over China’s actions. The Pentagon described the drills as “irresponsible, disproportionate, and destabilizing.” Simultaneously, thousands of US and Philippine marines launched joint exercises aimed at defending the northern coast of the Philippine island of Luzon, located 800km from Taiwan.
