Taiwan defiant as Chinese forces surround island in threatening military posture

Chinese military forces have surrounded Taiwan in what the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is calling a military drill intended as a warning against “separatist acts of ‘Taiwan Independence’ forces”.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) condemned the exercises as “irrational and provocative.”

China’s PLA said that the drills, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024B,” are taking place in the Taiwan Strait, and in areas north, south, and east of Taiwan Island. PLA spokesman, Captain Li Xi, said that the drills are focused on sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade of key ports and areas, strikes on maritime and ground targets, and seizing comprehensive control by superior force.

Taiwan’s MND said in a press release, Monday, that it had mounted an appropriate response according to regulations, to protect freedom and democracy and safeguard the sovereignty of the Republic of China with practical actions.

“In the face of enemy threats, all officers and soldiers of the country are in full readiness,” the MND said.

“We are determined and confident to ensure national defence security.”

The Chinese military actions come just days after a National Day speech delivered by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, Thursday, October 10, in which he said that China and Taiwan were not subordinate to each other.

The Chinese Communist Party declared the speech ‘provocative’ and threatened that it would result in disaster for the people of Taiwan.

Taiwan’s MND countered today that what “exacerbates cross-strait tensions and undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is actually the CCP’s various irrational and provocative actions.” The CCP continues to use intimidation, deterrence, and other means to shrink Taiwan’s international living space, an MND press release stated.

Chinese state media outlet, CCTV released a propaganda video, yesterday, October 13, superimposing maps of the area of operation covered by successive “Joint Sword” exercises in 2022, 2023, and 2024, suggesting that the military operations by the PLA are getting closer and closer to Taiwan. The text accompanying the video stated that “the more severe the provocation, the tighter the reins.”

In an interview published in the The Economist, October 3, Taiwan’s naval commander, Admiral Tang Hua, accused China of using an “Anaconda Strategy,” to gradually squeeze Taiwan.

Diagram of Joint Sword exercises in 2022, 2023, and 2024, with current operation in red, published by Chinese state media CCTV.

Taiwan’s MND released its own video Monday, titled “Steadfast Protection of our Homeland,” in which it accused the CCP of “intentionally raising its military threat, increasing tension across the strait, and unilaterally changing the status quo.”

“Facing their irrational incitement, and the dire threat that we face, service members of the R.O.C. military forces are ready at their posts, the video text read, alongside images of fighter jets, missile launchers, and military personnel in full combat gear.”

“We steel our will and prepare for conflicts we do not seek. And when duty calls, we will not shy away from a fight.”

“We dedicate ourselves to our readiness. We build up our credible military capability that grants the strong defense resilience our people can count on.”

“Our determination to defend our national sovereignty remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait remain unchanged.”

“Our determination from one generation to the next to protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged.”

“We have the capability, resolve, and faith to ensure our nation’s security.”

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Taiwan defiant as Chinese forces surround island in threatening military posture

Taiwan defiant as Chinese forces surround island in threatening military posture

Taiwan defiant as Chinese forces surround island in threatening military posture

Taiwan defiant as Chinese forces surround island in threatening military posture

Taiwan defiant as Chinese forces surround island in threatening military posture