According to Taiwanese authorities, “increased activity of fighter aircraft” was observed until six o’clock on Tuesday morning. A statement by the Ministry of Defense explained that 90 out of 153 aircraft were detected inside the island’s air defense zone.
Somewhat unexpectedly, the People's Liberation Army of China announced its joint military exercise “Sword-2024B” early Monday morning, which took place in a total of 9 locations around Taiwan.
The Chinese forces' maneuvers practically surrounded the island: their units appeared in the Taiwan Strait, as well as in the north, south and east of Taiwan.
Units from the Navy, Air Force, Ground Forces and Missile Forces also participated in the exercises. In response, Taipei mobilized “appropriate forces.”
The Chinese leadership described the one-day maneuvers, dubbed “Combined Sword-2024B,” as a warning against “separatist actions.” The military exercises followed Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's National Day speech last week, in which Lai declared that China had no right to represent Taiwan.
The United States, Taiwan's ally, expressed concern about Chinese military exercises. the The Pentagon described the Chinese action as irresponsible, disproportionate and destabilizing.
Meanwhile, the United States and the Philippines also began joint military exercises in the region. On Tuesday, thousands of US and Filipino Marines began a 10-day joint exercise focused on protecting the northern coast of Luzon island, about 800 kilometers from Taiwan.
The cover image is an illustration. Cover image source: Getty Images