In a move that has attracted international attention, China has launched two days of military drills in the water and airspace surrounding Taiwan. The exercise, code-named Joint Sword-2024A, is meant to simulate various combat scenarios with Taiwan and includes drills such as blockades and offshore assault operations.
These exercises, conducted by the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), are scheduled from Thursday to Friday and are expected to involve joint maritime and aerial patrols. The drills will also simulate a blockade around Taiwan that cuts off external connections, with a particular focus on Kinmen, Matsu, and surrounding waters.
Researcher Chieh Chung (揭仲) from the Taiwan-based Association of Strategic Foresight notes that the expanded scope of these drills suggests China's intent to demonstrate a comprehensive armed invasion scenario that involves peripheral islands. This activity was not seen during the previous two military exercises.
Despite lasting only two days, Chung said that the name Joint Sword-2024A hints at a series of related military exercises that could take place later in the year. The strategic choices made by the PLA in this exercise, and the response they receive, may set the tone for follow-up activity in the Taiwan Strait.