Today, the Armed Forces of the People’s Republic of China carried out a new massive military exercise around the island of Taiwan, surprising both the Indo-Pacific region and the world. What is notable about this deployment is that it is the second edition of the Joint Sword-2024 Exercise, following the naval activity carried out in May, when a significant number of air and naval assets from the People’s Liberation Army Navy and Air Force (PLA) surrounded the island.
Massive military deployment and objectives of the exercise
Recently, the PLA Eastern Theater Command reported that in the early hours of Monday, personnel and assets from the land, naval, and air forces were deployed to conduct combined drills under the name Joint Sword-2024B. The joint activities included air-sea combat patrols, blockades of key ports, attacks on maritime and land targets, and coordinated operations to secure air and maritime superiority in the area of operations. The exercise is interpreted as a clear message to the government of Taiwan and its allies in the face of an increasingly strong independentist rhetoric.
New deployment areas and focus on deterrence
As occurred last May, Chinese air and naval forces positioned themselves to the north, south, and east of the island, focusing on combined patrols and combat readiness. However, this time, the deployment areas were different, suggesting that China is assessing the PLA’s joint operational capabilities in various locations.
Participation of the aircraft carrier Liaoning and the Coast Guard
One of the highlights of Joint Sword-2024B was the participation of the China Coast Guard (CCG), marking a milestone in the military pressure on Taiwan. Also notable was the involvement of the Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group, which was conducting navigation tests and crossed the first island chain to enter the Western Pacific. According to official sources, the aircraft carrier played a strategic role by forming a maritime barrier and establishing an external blockade while applying internal pressure on Taiwan’s secessionist movements.
Deployment details and strategic projection
In recent hours, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has managed to identify several of the assets used by China’s Armed Forces. Approximately 125 combat aircraft were mobilized, including J-15 fighters, 17 PLA Navy ships, and 17 China Coast Guard vessels.
Analysts indicated that these drills not only increase China’s deterrence but also demonstrate its capability to impose a full blockade on Taiwan, endangering energy imports essential to its economy. This reinforces the message that the PLA has the capability to cut off key supplies in the event of an armed conflict.
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