Taiwan's defence ministry has reported an unprecedented surge in Chinese military activity during the "Joint Sword-2024B" exercises, with 153 Chinese aircraft detected near the island. Among these, 28 planes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a sensitive area that had previously served as an unofficial buffer zone between Taiwan and China. The exercises also involved Chinese naval ships and other military vessels.
These large-scale military drills, conducted by China as a warning to what it calls "separatist acts," followed Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's recent national day speech, which Beijing criticized. The drills, held on Monday, were part of China's ongoing efforts to assert its territorial claims over Taiwan, which the island's government firmly rejects.
Taiwan's defence ministry initially reported a record 125 Chinese aircraft involved in the exercises, but the figure was updated to 153, marking the highest number ever recorded in a single day. The ministry also noted increased activity near Taiwan's southeastern coast, where a major air base is located, and to the southwest, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea.
In addition to the air force activity, 14 Chinese navy ships and 12 coast guard or other military-related vessels were spotted in the region.
Speaking in Taipei, Premier Cho Jung-tai expressed concern over the drills, emphasizing their impact on regional peace. He said, "Any drills without prior warning will cause great disturbance to peace and stability in the entire region. China's drills not only affect Taiwan's neighborhood but also seriously impact international navigation rights and airspace, drawing attention from other countries."
Taiwan has consistently rejected Beijing's territorial claims, maintaining that only the island's people have the right to determine their future.
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