China Flexes Military Muscle with 'Joint Sword-2024B' Exercise Near Taiwan
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has commenced the "Joint Sword-2024B" exercise, a large-scale military drill that has sent shockwaves across the region. The exercise, which began on October 14, has drawn widespread attention for its scale, complexity, and proximity to Taiwan.
14 October 2024
According to the PLA, the exercise features a fleet of warships, including the Liaoning aircraft carrier, which is participating in the drill off the coast of Taiwan. The exercise aims to test the military's ability to coordinate land, sea, and air forces in a joint operation, with a focus on defending China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"We will not tolerate any attempts to split Taiwan from China," said Li Xi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command. "The exercise is a demonstration of our determination to defend our nation's interests and our ability to respond to any security threats."
The "Joint Sword-2024B" exercise has sparked concerns in Taiwan, with officials warning of the risks of military escalation in the region. However, Chinese military experts say the exercise is a necessary response to the growing tensions between China and Taiwan.
"The exercise is a warning to those who seek to challenge China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said a military expert at the Naval Research Institute. "We will not hesitate to take military action to defend our nation's interests."
In a demonstration of its military prowess, the Liaoning aircraft carrier group participated in the large-scale military exercise "Joint Blade-2024B" in the waters east of Taiwan, marking a significant milestone in the PLA's naval capabilities.
According to a statement by Li Qi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA, the exercise saw the Liaoning aircraft carrier group join forces with other land, sea, and air units to conduct coordinated operations, joint air defense, and strikes against both sea and land targets.
The drill focused on testing the efficiency of the PLA's "inner-outer line" coordination, as well as the integration of various military branches in battle. Li emphasized that the exercise showcased the PLA's ability to rapidly transition from a training scenario to actual combat.
The participation of the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the exercise highlights the PLA's growing naval power and its determination to safeguard its territorial interests. The display of military strength is expected to intensify tensions in the region, particularly with regards to Taiwan, which China considers an integral part of its territory.
A series of videos and images released by the PLA on social media platforms show the sheer scale and complexity of the exercise, with fighter jets, warships, and other military equipment engaging in various combat scenarios. Military analysts believe that these exercises are a sign that the PLA is refining its combat capabilities, preparing for potential scenarios in the region.
Meanwhile, China's state media has hailed the exercise as a successful demonstration of the PLA's military might, emphasizing that the country is ready to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The timing of the exercise has raised concerns about increasing tensions in the region, as the PLA continues to strengthen its presence around Taiwan.
In a separate development, the Eastern Theater Command also conducted a simultaneous exercise in the northern and southern parts of Taiwan, simulating various military operations, including the blockade of important ports and the capture of strategic regions.
Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA, emphasized that the recent "Joint-2024B" exercise was designed to test the command's ability to conduct joint operations and combat readiness. Li highlighted that the exercise aimed to verify the command's capabilities in coordinating land, sea, and air forces, as well as its ability to conduct joint strikes and defend against enemy attacks.
Li noted that the exercise was conducted in a real-combat scenario, with a focus on testing the command's ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing situations. He also noted that the exercise was an opportunity for the PLA to demonstrate its military prowess and deter separatist forces in Taiwan.
The exercise, which took place on October 14, involved the Liaoning aircraft carrier group and other naval, land, and air forces. The drills included vessel and aircraft coordination, joint air defense, and strikes against sea and land targets. The exercise was seen as a show of force by the PLA, with many interpreting it as a warning to Taiwan against pursuing independence.
Experts and military analysts have been weighing in on the significance of the drills, noting that the exercises demonstrated an increased sense of realism and urgency, with the ability to transition seamlessly from a simulated to a real-world scenario.
"The exercises showcased the PLA's enhanced capabilities in joint operations, firepower, and mobility," observed a research expert from the Naval Research Institute. "The emphasis on naval, air, and land-based operations highlights the military's determination to assert its dominance in the region and defend China's sovereignty."
The drills, which took place in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, were seen as a clear demonstration of the PLA's ability to launch a comprehensive and coordinated assault on the island. The exercises involved various branches of the military, including the navy, air force, and ground forces, and featured a range of operations, including amphibious landings, airborne assaults, and missile strikes.
Experts noted that the exercises were not only a show of force but also a demonstration of the PLA's ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing security scenarios. "The exercises highlighted the PLA's commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and enhancing its ability to respond to emerging threats," said a military analyst.
In the context of the Taiwan Strait, the exercises were seen as a clear reminder of the Chinese government's stance on reunification. As the CCTV footage of the exercises was broadcast on social media, a commentator noted, "Taiwan's destiny is inextricably linked to the mainland. Reunification is not a matter of if, but when."
The exercises were also seen as a warning to Taiwan's independence movement, with a commentary from the People's Forum noting, "The road to independence is a dead-end. Taiwan's future lies in reunification with the mainland."
As tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to simmer, the "Joint Sword-2024B" exercises serve as a poignant reminder of the Chinese government's commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. With the PLA's military capabilities continuing to evolve and expand, the exercises are a clear demonstration of the government's determination to achieve reunification, by force if necessary.