PLA launches blockade drills around Taiwan, days after speech by island’s leader
“The Joint Sword-2024B” drills are being conducted in areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan, aiming to test the PLA’s joint operation capabilities, said Naval Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesman of the PLA Eastern Theater Command. The exercise is focused on sea- and air-combat readiness patrols, and the ability to blockade key ports and other areas, he said.
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Taiwan’s military holds live-fire missile drills at sensitive test site
“It is the stern deterrence to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces. It is a legitimate and necessary operation to safeguard the state sovereignty and integrity,” Li said in a statement.
The Chinese coastguard also said that it is deploying four fleets to conduct a patrol around the island on Monday.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.