Early Monday morning, the CCP announced a “Joint Sword - 2024B” series of military exercises around Taiwan. Senior Captain Li Xi (李熹) of the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command confirmed that army, navy, air force, and rocket force troops have been dispatched to the north, south, and east of Taiwan as “a deterrent to separatist forces seeking independence.”
According to the statement released on China’s Defense Ministry official website, the drills will involve joint assault methods and the use of ships and aircraft to approach Taiwan from multiple directions. They will focus on sea and air combat readiness, blockading key ports, strikes on sea and land targets, and comprehensive battlefield control.
Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui (郭雅慧) expressed regret that these military provocations are occurring despite the fact President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) expressed goodwill in this year’s National Day speech and highlighted Taiwan’s priority to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. She informed the press that the president convened a national security meeting to instruct all relevant units to respond to the situation.
Cabinet spokesperson Li Hui-chih (李慧芝) echoed Kuo’s sentiments, adding that the Taiwanese military comprehensively understands the extent of the Joint Sword - 2024B drills and is responding accordingly. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) also asked all government ministries to be mindful of the impact of China’s military exercise on domestic stocks, foreign exchange markets, information security, and public safety.
Per the National Defense Ministry, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) has ordered Taiwan’s armed forces to closely monitor the situation in accordance with their procedures and engagement rules. Defense Ministry Spokesperson Sun Li-fang (孫立方) noted that, despite the uplifting content of President Lai’s National Day speech, in which he expressed his willingness to cooperate with China to address climate change and epidemic prevention, the CCP continues to aggravate cross-strait tensions and engage in intimidation tactics.
National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said that by launching the exercise immediately after their announcement at 5 a.m. on Monday, China has in fact violated the basic principles of the United Nations Charter and international laws and regulations that call for advance notice. He said he will communicate with friendly countries regarding the matter and is confident that Taiwan will receive the international community’s unwavering support.
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) further condemned China’s actions, calling it a blatant threat to security in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region, as well as to democracy and peace worldwide. The MAC reiterated that such actions illustrate China’s contempt for international law and the peace principles laid out by the UN.