China Ceases Military Exercises, Taiwan Reports Increase in Warplanes and Warships

China recently concluded two days of war games around Taiwan, showcasing simulated attacks with bombers and practicing boarding ships. Taiwan’s defense ministry revealed the significant surge of Chinese warplanes and warships involved in the drills.

The exercises, named “Joint Sword – 2024A,” were initiated just three days after Lai Ching-te assumed office as Taiwan’s president, a move that Beijing labeled as separatist. The Chinese defense ministry did not provide any comments following the conclusion of the drills.

The tension escalated after Lai’s inauguration speech, where he emphasized that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other, a statement viewed by Beijing as a declaration of separate nations. Despite Lai’s repeated offers for dialogue, China has consistently rejected them, asserting its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.

During the war games, 46 Chinese military planes breached the Taiwan Strait’s median line, previously serving as an unofficial boundary between the two territories. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported a total of 62 Chinese aircraft and 27 navy ships detected during the exercises.

The Chinese military showcased its advanced Su-30 fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers during the drills, flying through the Taiwan Strait and the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines. The Taiwanese air force also released footage of a Chinese J-16 fighter and an H-6, highlighting the intensity of the military activities.

China has been conducting military maneuvers around Taiwan regularly in recent years, with the People’s Liberation Army Daily warning against any separatist actions by Taiwan. The commentary emphasized that the PLA would take decisive action to thwart any attempts at independence.