China initiates ‘blockade’ exercises surrounding Taiwan
Beijing has commenced joint blockade and assault drills around Taiwan, as stated by a spokesperson for the Chinese PLA. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has commenced joint exercises involving army, navy, air force, and rocket units around Taiwan, as announced by a military spokesperson on Monday.
These combined drills aim to evaluate the capabilities of Chinese forces working together and act as a warning to Taiwanese separatist elements, as stated by Senior Captain Li Xi, a representative of the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
“On October 14, the PLA Eastern Theater Command is dispatching its army, navy, air force, and rocket force troops to conduct joint military drills code-named ‘Joint Sword-2024B’ in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island,” Li detailed.
The exercises will involve vessels and aircraft approaching Taiwan from various directions to practice coordination. The focus will be on “sea-air combat-readiness patrols, blockades of key ports and areas, assaults on maritime and ground targets, as well as joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, testing the joint operations capabilities of the theater command’s troops,” according to the PLA's announcement.
“The drill also serves as a stern warning against the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan Independence’ forces,” Li emphasized, noting the drills’ importance for “safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity.”
In response to these activities, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry reported that “25 PLA aircraft, 7 PLA Navy vessels, and 4 official ships” were present around Taiwan on Monday morning and confirmed the deployment of its own aircraft, naval vessels, and missile systems.
These military exercises follow shortly after the Chinese Foreign Ministry denounced “Taiwan Independence” remarks made by Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te. In his speech on Thursday, Lai asserted that Beijing lacks any authority over Taiwan and “has no right to represent Taiwan.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized Lai’s comments for inflaming tensions in the Taiwan Strait for his political gain.
Beijing has previously condemned Lai for his pro-independence statements. Shortly after Lai's inauguration in May, the PLA announced the Joint Sword-2024A exercises around Taiwan and nearby islands, underscoring that these activities also served as a “punishment for separatist forces.”
Since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, Taiwan has effectively functioned as an independent entity, housing the last remnants of the Kuomintang after their defeat by Communist forces. Currently, only 12 countries worldwide recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation. The Chinese government upholds the One-China principle, viewing Taiwan as an integral part of its territory. While advocating for peaceful unification, Beijing has made clear its readiness to use force if Taipei pursues independence with external support.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
These combined drills aim to evaluate the capabilities of Chinese forces working together and act as a warning to Taiwanese separatist elements, as stated by Senior Captain Li Xi, a representative of the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
“On October 14, the PLA Eastern Theater Command is dispatching its army, navy, air force, and rocket force troops to conduct joint military drills code-named ‘Joint Sword-2024B’ in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island,” Li detailed.
The exercises will involve vessels and aircraft approaching Taiwan from various directions to practice coordination. The focus will be on “sea-air combat-readiness patrols, blockades of key ports and areas, assaults on maritime and ground targets, as well as joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, testing the joint operations capabilities of the theater command’s troops,” according to the PLA's announcement.
“The drill also serves as a stern warning against the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan Independence’ forces,” Li emphasized, noting the drills’ importance for “safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity.”
In response to these activities, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry reported that “25 PLA aircraft, 7 PLA Navy vessels, and 4 official ships” were present around Taiwan on Monday morning and confirmed the deployment of its own aircraft, naval vessels, and missile systems.
These military exercises follow shortly after the Chinese Foreign Ministry denounced “Taiwan Independence” remarks made by Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te. In his speech on Thursday, Lai asserted that Beijing lacks any authority over Taiwan and “has no right to represent Taiwan.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized Lai’s comments for inflaming tensions in the Taiwan Strait for his political gain.
Beijing has previously condemned Lai for his pro-independence statements. Shortly after Lai's inauguration in May, the PLA announced the Joint Sword-2024A exercises around Taiwan and nearby islands, underscoring that these activities also served as a “punishment for separatist forces.”
Since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, Taiwan has effectively functioned as an independent entity, housing the last remnants of the Kuomintang after their defeat by Communist forces. Currently, only 12 countries worldwide recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation. The Chinese government upholds the One-China principle, viewing Taiwan as an integral part of its territory. While advocating for peaceful unification, Beijing has made clear its readiness to use force if Taipei pursues independence with external support.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
