Erapublik.com - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported on Tuesday that approximately 153 Chinese fighter jets were involved in military drills around the Taiwan Strait over the course of a single day. The exercises occurred just one day after Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, delivered a national address over the weekend.
Beijing referred to the drills as part of Join Sword-2024B, aimed at warning against separatist actions. Taiwan's Prime Minister, Cho Jung-tai, expressed concerns that the military activities not only alarmed Taiwan but also posed risks to regional stability. China claims Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory.
“Any unannounced military exercises will disrupt peace and stability across the region,” Cho stated.
He further noted that China's military activities not only affected Taiwan's surrounding areas but also severely disrupted international air and sea navigation rights, drawing concern from other nations.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, of the 153 detected fighter jets, 28 crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. Military activity was also observed in waters off Taiwan’s southeastern coast, home to many of Taiwan's military bases, as well as in the southwest region bordering the South China Sea, where Taiwan controls Pratas Island.
The Chinese navy reportedly deployed 14 smaller vessels and 12 larger ships, including coast guard ships and other similar entities. China’s military drills have raised alarms in the United States and its allies, with the Pentagon condemning the exercises as irresponsible, inappropriate, and destabilizing.