On October 14, 2024, China announced the commencement of a significant military exercise named "Joint Sword-2024B" near Taiwan, which it regards as a stern warning to the island's pro-independence forces. The exercise is taking place in the Taiwan Strait and in regions to the north, south, and east of the island.
The Chinese military stated that this operation is a legitimate and necessary measure to safeguard national sovereignty and unity. In response, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense condemned the exercise as irrational and provocative, confirming that its armed forces have been mobilized.
The Presidential Office of Taiwan emphasized that China must respect the Taiwanese people's choice for a free and democratic lifestyle and refrain from military provocations. Despite the military drills, Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation reported that airport and port operations remain normal, assuring that flight safety within Taipei's Flight Information Region will be maintained.
In a statement, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense indicated that it does not intend to escalate tensions in response to China's military activities. However, the island has heightened its alert status, closely monitoring the movements of Chinese military and missile forces. The ministry further stated that China's military exercises disrupt the security situation in the Taiwan Strait and are inconsistent with the healthy development of cross-strait relations.