China recently carried out extensive military exercises around Taiwan, with a record number of fighter jets and warplanes involved in the one-day drills. The exercises, which included fighter jets, drones, warships, and Coast Guard vessels, simulated a blockade of Taiwan, drawing strong condemnation from the island's Defense Ministry.
During the 25-hour period between Monday and Tuesday, a total of 153 Chinese aircraft were detected around Taiwan. Of these, 111 warplanes crossed the Median Line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), although none breached the sovereign airspace.
This surge in Chinese military activity surpassed previous records, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region. Taiwan responded by deploying its own aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation.
The Chinese military described the drills as a warning to independence forces in Taiwan, following remarks by Taiwan's new president reaffirming the island's sovereignty. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has conducted frequent military exercises to assert its claims.
Analysts noted that these drills serve to pressure Taiwan and test its military capabilities. The exercises, involving various branches of the Chinese military, were conducted in multiple areas surrounding Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait and its outlying islands.
Despite the provocative nature of the drills, no Chinese naval vessels breached Taiwan's contiguous zone, which extends 24 nautical miles from the shoreline. However, experts warned that the increasing proximity of Chinese military activities poses a significant risk and reduces Taiwan's response time.
The Chinese military announced the completion of the Joint Sword 2024-B drills after a day of intense activities. Taiwan's Defense Ministry continued to monitor Chinese jets around the island even after the conclusion of the exercises.
