Rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait took center stage this week as the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched large-scale military drills around the island of Taiwan. Dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, the exercises involved naval ships, fighter jets, and missile units simulating real combat scenarios 🌊✈️. The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command stated the drills were a “stern warning” to separatist forces, emphasizing China’s resolve to safeguard national sovereignty.
🔹 Why Now? The drills followed a controversial speech by Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te, which mainland officials called “provocative.” Military expert Fu Zhengnan described the operation as a “hammer ready to strike,” highlighting its all-weather readiness to counter both radical and gradual “Taiwan independence” moves.
🔹 Coast Guard Patrols Intensify: Alongside the PLA, China’s Coast Guard deployed four fleets near Taiwan for “law-enforcement patrols,” reinforcing Beijing’s claims under the one-China principle. Analysts say the dual military and maritime pressure aims to isolate Taiwan’s leadership diplomatically and militarily.
💡 What’s Next? Fu warned that further “independence” moves could trigger even stronger PLA responses. With the region on edge, the drills underscore Beijing’s message: Unification remains non-negotiable.
