"The exercises would 'test the joint operations capabilities' of the Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command and serve as 'a stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan independence' forces,' said command spokesman Li Xi."
"Taiwan's defense ministry expressed strong condemnation for such irrational and provocative behavior, adding that it had dispatched troops to respond and protect Taiwan."
"Analysts characterized Lai's speech last week as relatively restrained, but there has been a growing expectation that China would use this as a catalyst to launch more military drills around Taiwan, like it has during other sensitive political moments."
"The Eastern Theater Command stated that the 'Joint Sword 2024B' exercises involve a barrage of vessels and aircraft 'in close proximity from different directions' to Taiwan, designed to test 'sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade on key ports and areas, assault on maritime and ground targets.'"
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]