China concluded two days of war games around Taiwan, simulating attacks with bombers and practicing ship boarding.
Taiwan’s defense ministry detailed the surge of Chinese warplanes and warships involved, noting that Chinese state television’s military channel announced the drills had ended late Friday. The official People’s Liberation Army Daily confirmed the exercises, dubbed “Joint Sword — 2024A,” lasted from Thursday to Friday.
China’s defense ministry did not respond to calls for comment on Saturday.
The drills were launched three days after Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a “separatist,” became Taiwan’s president. On Friday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that 46 Chinese military planes crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, a previously respected unofficial barrier. In total, 62 Chinese aircraft and 27 navy ships were detected. The aircraft, including advanced Su-30 fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, operated in the strait and the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines.
Footage published by the Taiwanese air force showed a Chinese J-16 fighter and an H-6 bomber, though the exact location was not disclosed.
Over the past four years, China has regularly conducted military activities around Taiwan, including large-scale war games in 2022 and 2023. The People’s Liberation Army Daily warned that if Taiwan’s independence forces continue their efforts, the PLA would take decisive action to thwart all separatist plans.