China Holds Military Drills Around Taiwan

Facts

• China conducted military exercises around Taiwan on Monday, involving joint operations of the army, navy, air force, and rocket force.^[1]
• The drills, code-named 'Joint Sword-2024B,' were described by China as a 'stern warning' against 'separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces.'^[2]
• Taiwan's Pres. Lai Ching-te's National Day speech, in which he stated that China has 'no right to represent Taiwan,' was cited as a trigger for the exercises.^[3][4]
• A map released by the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Command indicated its forces in nine zones surrounding Taiwan. Taiwan said it detected 34 naval vessels and 125 aircraft around the island.^[1][5]
• Taiwan's Defense Ministry condemned the drills as an 'irrational and provocative behavior,' and dispatched its own forces to 'safeguard freedom, democracy and defend the sovereignty of the Republic of China.'^[6]
• The US called China's response to Lai's speech 'unwarranted,' and asked Beijing 'to act with restraint' in order to protect 'peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.'^[7]

Sources: ^[1]CNN, ^[2]NBC, ^[3]New York Times, ^[4]Verity, ^[5]BBC News, ^[6]Focus Taiwan and ^[7]Associated Press.

Narratives

• Pro-China narrative, as provided by Global Times. China's military drills are a necessary response to Taiwan's provocative actions. Taiwan's leadership continues to push for independence, disregarding the one-China principle and threatening regional stability. These exercises demonstrate China's resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and national unity, conveying that any attempts at Taiwan independence are futile and will be met with firm opposition.
• Anti-China narrative, as provided by Guardian and Taipei Times. Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, and China's military exercises are an unreasonable provocation that undermines regional peace and stability. Pres. Lai's speech merely affirmed Taiwan's democratic values and willingness to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait. China's aggressive actions only serve to increase tensions and highlight its disregard for Taiwan's 23M people and their right to self-determination.

Predictions