China recently conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan, marking a record presence of 153 Chinese military aircrafts in the region. These exercises, codenamed Joint Sword-2024B, come amid rising tensions between Taipei and Beijing, with Taiwans President Lai Ching-tes administration steadfast in its commitment to protecting Taiwans democracy.

The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan reported the unprecedented detection of Chinese aircrafts following a day of extensive drills. These maneuvers are seen as a direct response to Taiwans outspoken stance on its sovereignty and democratic values. In reaction, Taiwan has deployed its own forces and heightened the alert status of its outlying islands, ensuring readiness to respond to any potential threats.

Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) had announced that it was launching military drills in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan, as a stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces.

The United States has condemned Chinas actions as unwarranted and warned of the risks of escalation, urging Beijing to exercise restraint. Taiwans defense ministry echoed these concerns, emphasizing that aircraft and ships are prepared to respond to any enemy actions in accordance with established engagement rules.

Chinese officials have justified the drills, codenamed Joint Sword-224B as a necessary warning against what they perceive as separatist activities by Taiwan. Captain Li Xi, spokesman for the Chinese militarys Eastern Theater Command, stated that the exercises are designed to test joint operations capabilities, focusing on sea-air combat readiness, blockades of key ports, and assaults on maritime and ground targets. The involvement of the Liaoning aircraft carrier group underscores the scale and seriousness of these operations.

In response to the drills, Taiwans President Lai Ching-te has reaffirmed his commitment to defending Taiwans sovereignty and national security. According to reports, the defense ministry has dispatched appropriate forces and remains on high alert, particularly around the outlying islands. A high-level security meeting was convened in response to Chinas declaration of Joint Sword-224B to address the situation, with officials describing the exercises as inconsistent with international law.

China’s earlier War Games

The recent drills highlight the ongoing and intensifying struggle between Taiwan and China. China had earlier conducted military drills with the same sentiment in May following Lai Ching-tes inauguration whom China calls a separatist. Codenamed the Joint Sword-2024A, it was a large-scale military exercise conducted by China around Taiwan, starting on May 23, 2024.

The exercises involved various branches of the Chinese military, including the navy, air force, and rocket force. The drills took place in multiple areas around Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait and regions to the north, south, and east of the island. In response, Taiwans military heightened its alert status and conducted its own defensive measures to ensure readiness against any potential threats.

Chinas war games escalated after a rousing speech by Lai on the eve of 113th National Day where he emphasised on Taiwans independence saying that The Peoples Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan. He further added that his mission as president was to ensure that our nation endures and progresses and resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty.

In his National Day speech, Lai also emphasized Taiwans willingness to engage in cooperative efforts with China on issues that benefit both sides of the Taiwan Strait, saying  that his administration was willing to work with China on addressing climate change, combating infectious diseases and maintaining regional security.

As Beijing continues to assert its claims over Taiwan, the islands leadership remains resolute in its defense of democratic principles. This has led alarm within the international community, which remains fully aware that any misstep could lead to a significant escalation in the region resulting in another humanitarian crisis.

Taiwan-China history

After the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), Taiwan was ceded to Japan and remained a Japanese colony until the end of World War Two in 1945. Following Japans defeat, Taiwan was returned to Chinese control, which coincided with the Chinese Civil War between the Nationalist Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China. In 1949, the Nationalist Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan, while the Communist Party of China established the Peoples Republic of China on the mainland.

Today, Taiwan operates as a democracy with its own government, military, and constitution. Despite this, the mainland Chinese government continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory despite strong contention from Taiwan. It has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Tensions periodically flare, especially as Taiwan seeks greater international recognition and China increases its political and military pressure.