China’s Military Drills Around Taiwan: A Show of Force Amidst Rising Tensions
On October 14, China initiated military exercises around Taiwan, involving planes and ships encircling the island, as reported by Beijing’s Defence Ministry. These drills, named Joint Sword-2024B, are part of China’s ongoing military operations and aim to test joint operations capabilities. Captain Li Xi from the Eastern Theater Command stated that the exercises are occurring in areas north, south, and east of Taiwan, focusing on sea-air combat-readiness, blockades, and assaults on maritime and ground targets.
China’s military presence around Taiwan has grown, with frequent flights and naval maneuvers. Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control. Following Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s speech on National Day, both the US and Taiwan urged China to refrain from aggressive actions. Lai, who has a strong stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty, emphasized that Beijing and Taipei are not subordinate to each other.
In response, Beijing described the drills as a warning to Taiwan Independence forces, asserting they are necessary for safeguarding state sovereignty. President Lai also expressed a desire for dialogue with China and urged Beijing to help resolve conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Despite Taiwan’s governance and military strength, it has not declared independence from China, which seeks to limit Taiwan’s international recognition.
Doubts Revealed
China’s Military Drills -: Military drills are practice exercises conducted by a country’s armed forces to prepare for real combat situations. In this case, China is conducting these exercises around Taiwan.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government, but China considers it a part of its territory, which leads to tensions between the two.
Joint Sword-2024B -: Joint Sword-2024B is the name given to the specific military exercises China is conducting around Taiwan. These exercises involve both air and naval forces.
Captain Li Xi -: Captain Li Xi is likely a military officer from China who is involved in the military exercises. He provided information about the focus of these drills.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te -: Lai Ching-te is the President of Taiwan. He recently gave a speech on Taiwan’s National Day, emphasizing Taiwan’s independence and calling for peaceful dialogue with China.
National Day -: National Day is a special day celebrated by a country to mark its independence or the establishment of its government. Taiwan celebrates its National Day on October 10th.
Taiwan Independence forces -: Taiwan Independence forces refer to groups or individuals in Taiwan who support the idea of Taiwan being a completely independent country, separate from China.
Sovereignty -: Sovereignty means having full control over one’s own government and territory. Taiwan’s President emphasized that Taiwan has its own sovereignty, meaning it governs itself independently.