This morning, a tense situation unfolded in Taiwan as China launched a massive two-day military drill surrounding the self-governing island. The military exercise, known as Operation Joint Sword 2024-A, is being carried out by the Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army.
China's show of force comes just two days after the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-dao, whose speech emphasizing Taiwanese sovereignty was perceived as highly provocative by Beijing. President Lai's remarks called for China to recognize Taiwan as a self-governing democracy with a population of nearly 24 million that holds regular democratic elections.
As part of the military drill, China has deployed at least 42 warplanes, with 28 crossing into Taiwan's self-declared air defense identification zone. Additionally, there are 15 naval vessels and 16 Coast Guard vessels patrolling near Taiwan's outlying islands.
The Chinese military justified the exercise as a response to what they termed as separatist acts by Taiwan independence forces and a warning against interference by external forces, likely aimed at the United States.
In response, Taiwan's presidential spokeswoman affirmed the country's commitment to defending democracy and ensuring national security. The situation remains tense, with ongoing updates being monitored closely in Taipei.
With high tensions in the region, the international community is closely watching the developments surrounding China's military maneuvers near Taiwan.
