Taiwan’s Response to China’s Military Drills
Fighter jets took off from a Taiwan airbase Thursday as the self-ruled island dispatched aerial and naval forces in response to China’s launch of military drills. Beijing commenced two days of war games, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024A,” as a “strong punishment” for Taiwan’s “separatist acts.”
New Leadership and Defending Taiwan
The island recently swore in new leader Lai Ching-te, who emphasized in his inaugural speech the importance of demonstrating Taiwan’s resolution to defend the nation. This stance has been met with criticism from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has denounced Lai’s speech as a “confession of independence.”
Details of China’s Military Drills
The drills began at 7:45 am and are taking place in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. In response, Taiwan’s Armed Forces have mobilized aerial, naval, and land assets in accordance with established protocols.
Encounters at Sea
Taipei’s coast guard reported encounters with Chinese vessels near Taiwan-administered outlying islands. Despite warnings, Chinese ships breached Taiwan’s restricted waters multiple times this month, leading to tensions in the region.
Conclusion
The incidents near Dongyin and Wuqiu highlight the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with both sides asserting their positions in the region.
