China’s latest military exercise in the waters surrounding Taiwan appears to be focused on setting up blockades around four major ports.
China has so far conducted three military exercises around Taiwan since 2022 when former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited to meet with former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). In May, after President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) inauguration speech, China carried out a larger-scale series of drills called “Joint Sword - 2024A,” and on Monday they followed up with the “Joint Sword - 2024B” exercise in response to Taiwan’s National Day celebration.
According to Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), Researcher and Director at the Institute for National Defense Security Research, their focus is not on the distance between various places in Taiwan, but rather on the location. According to Su, they appear to be practicing isolating Taiwan through a blockade at sea.
The Chinese Coast Guard also announced their intention to patrol the waters surrounding Taiwan. Based on the latest route map, they are encircling the island for the first time. Many ships have already crossed the central line of the strait. Taiwan’s Coast Guard is monitoring the situation accordingly.
Although Joint Sword - 2024B was wrapped up on the same day it was announced, it is clear that China is getting a little too close for comfort.
Hanna Bilinski for RTI News