Mainland China begins military drills around Taiwan today

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army announced that starting from May 23, 2024, joint exercises will be carried out in the Taiwan Strait, the north, south, and east of Taiwan's main island, and around Kinmen Island, Matsu Island, Wuqiu Island, and Dongyin Island. At that time, the theater's army, navy, air force, rocket force and other forces will be organized to carry out the "Joint Sword-2024A" exercise around Taiwan.

Li Xi, spokesman for the Eastern Theater Command, said that the exercise focused on subjects such as joint naval and air combat readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, and joint precision attack on key targets. Ships and aircraft arrived close to Taiwan Island for combat patrols, and the inside and outside of the island chain were integrated. linkage to test the actual joint combat capabilities of the theater troops. Li Xi emphasized that this is also a strong punishment for Taiwan's separatist forces seeking "independence" and a serious warning against interference and provocation by external forces.