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CHINA CONDUCTS MILITARY DRILLS NEAR TAIWAN, ISSUES WARNING TO “SEPARATIST ACTS”
China conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan, dubbed "Joint Sword-2024B," as a warning to the island's government to halt "separatist acts," amid escalating tensions.
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division practice target acquisition on notional targets during stinger qualification, on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, April 19, 2024. The stinger is a lightweight, self-contained air defense system that can be rapidly deployed by ground troops. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Kevin Reece)
China's armed forces held extensive military drills around Taiwan on Monday, involving army, navy, air, and rocket forces. The exercises, dubbed "Joint Sword-2024B," were intended as a warning to Taiwan's democratically run government to halt "separatist acts," according to a Chinese military spokesperson.
A map posted by state broadcaster China Central Television showed six large red blocks around Taiwan, indicating the areas where the drills took place. The military activity was described as "a stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan independence' forces" and “a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity.”
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The drills are part of China's ongoing efforts to pressure Taiwan's new President, Lai Ching-te. This is the second set of exercises held since Lai's inauguration in May.
The latest military activity comes after Lai's speech last week, where he vowed to stand up to challenges posed by China. China views Taiwan as its territory and has stated its intention to bring it under its control, by force if necessary. In response, US President Joe Biden has reaffirmed the US's commitment to defending Taiwan from a Chinese attack.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry condemned Beijing's actions, stating that it had dispatched military forces to respond. The ministry emphasized Lai's firm determination to maintain peace and stability in the strait.
China's military drills have sparked concern internationally, with calls for restraint and avoidance of actions that may undermine regional peace and stability.
