Monday’s exercises “focus on sea-air combat preparation patrols, the blockade of ports and key areas” or even “the assault of maritime and land targets”, Beijing said.
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Renewed tensions in Taiwan. China deployed planes and ships on Monday October 14 to encircle the island as part of a military operation. Beijing described these new exercises as “serious warnings” facing the “separatist actions of Taiwan independence forces”. “This is a legitimate and necessary operation to safeguard the sovereignty of the State and national unity”estimated Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese army’s Eastern Command.
The exercises, called “Joint Sword-2024B”, are taking place “in areas to the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan”he explained. They “focus on sea-air combat readiness patrols, blockade of ports and key areas” or even “the assault of maritime and land targets”. Fighters, bombers, other attack aircraft, as well as several destroyers and frigates were deployed.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called a security meeting. These maneuvers which enter “in contradiction with the law” international, according to security chief Joseph Wu.
The United States, which had warned on Friday against any “provocation” of Beijing towards Taipei, denounced operations “unjustified” which represent a “risk of escalation”. Washington has recognized Beijing to the detriment of Taipei as a legitimate power since 1979, but remains Taiwan’s most powerful ally and its main arms supplier. China considers Taiwan as a part of its territory to be reunified one day and, although it favors a peaceful solution, has never renounced the use of military force to regain control.