China launches drills near Taiwan as island reports increased military activity

Reuters reported the information.

Communist China did not specify the date when the exercises would conclude.

It stated that the Joint Sword-2024B exercises are taking place in the Taiwan Strait and in areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan.

"The drill also serves as a stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces. It is a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity," the Chinese command said in a statement.

Beijing has published a map showing the nine areas around Taiwan where the drills will take place: two on the east coast of the island, three on the west coast, one in the north, and three around Taiwan-controlled islands off the Chinese coast.

Beijing notes that its ships and aircraft are approaching Taiwan in “close proximity from different directions,” focusing on sea and air combat readiness patrols, practicing blocking key ports and areas, and simulating attacks on sea and land targets.

Taiwan's China policy making Mainland Affairs Council said that the recent military exercises and China's refusal to renounce the use of force were “blatant provocations” that seriously undermined regional peace and stability.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense announced that it had deployed its forces.

Taiwan spots Chinese aircraft and ships

According to the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense, at least 25 Chinese aircraft and 11 ships were moving around the island.

It is noted that 16 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering the island nation's air defense identification zone from all sides.

• On October 7, the armed forces of the Philippines, the United States, Australia, Canada, France, and Japan launched joint naval exercises off the northern Philippine island of Luzon, which borders Taiwan.