The Joint Sword-2024 (Chinese: 联合利剑2024), is a military exercise organized by the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to organize the land, sea, air, and rocket forces of the theatre of operations in the vicinity of Kinmen, Matsu Islands, and the Island of Taiwan.[1][2][3]
The Eastern Theater Command of Operations conducted the initial round of military drills from May 23 to May 24, 2024, Beijing time.[4] The second round was conducted from October 14 to 15, 2024, Beijing time.[5]
Operations
editJoint Sword-2024A (联合利剑—2024A)
editThe People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command initiated joint exercises and training in the Taiwan Strait, the northern, southern, and eastern regions of the island of Taiwan, as well as the areas surrounding Kinmen, Matsu Islands, Wuqiu Island, and Dongyin Island, at 0745 hours on May 23, 2024.[6][6] After the Joint Operations Command Center of the Eastern Theatre issued operational instructions, the East Sea Fleet's numerous frigate formations maneuvered at high velocities in multiple directions to the waters surrounding the island of Taiwan.[6] The ships initiated combat deployment upon their scheduled arrival at the designated sea area. The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted systematic war patrols around Taiwan and the outer islands by deploying dozens of fighter aircraft.[7] The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force provided support and cover for multi-model formations, which were fully loaded with live ammunition, as they flew to predetermined airspace to establish a number of strike positions. [8][9]
On May 23, Li Xi, the spokesman for the Eastern Theater Command, stated that the separatist forces seeking "uniqueness" are "Taiwan independence" and are demonstrating strong discipline. He also issued a serious warning to external forces that are interfering with provocations. Li Xi then disclosed the use of weapons and equipment, including Chengdu J-20, Shenyang J-16, Type 052C destroyer, Type 071 amphibious transport dock, Dongfeng series missiles, and box-type long-range rockets.[10][11]
Joint Sword-2024B (联合利剑—2024B)
editOn October 14, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has mobilized its army, navy, air force, and rocket force to conduct "Joint Sword-2024B" maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the north, south, and east of the island of Taiwan.[12][13]
References
edit- ^ "'Strong punishment': China starts two days of military drills around Taiwan". Al Jazeera. 2024-05-23. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Yu-chen, Chung; Huang), Frances (2024-05-25). "China's large military drills around Taiwan could become regular: Experts". Focus Taiwan - CNA English News. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Gan, Nectar; Lendon, Brad; Cheung, Eric (2024-05-23). "China starts 'punishment' military drills around Taiwan days after island swears in new leader". CNN. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Hart, Brian (2024-05-24). "How Is China Responding to the Inauguration of Taiwan's President William Lai?". ChinaPower Project. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Ben Blanchard, Yimou Lee (2024-10-13). "China starts new round of war games near Taiwan, offers no end date". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ a b c "东部战区位台湾海峡，台岛北部、南部、东部及金门岛、马祖岛、乌丘屿、东引岛周边，开展联合演训". 紫荆. 2024-05-23. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ "中共宣布對台「利劍-2024B」演習 國防部：有信心捍衛國家主權". 《菱傳媒》RWNews (in Chinese). Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ "东部战区出动"杀独神器"！解放军围台演习惩戒"台独"-新华网". 新华网_让新闻离你更近 (in Chinese). 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ "东部战区位台湾海峡，台岛北部、南部、东部及金门岛、马祖岛、乌丘屿、东引岛周边，开展联合演训". 中华人民共和国国防部 (in Chinese). 2024-05-23. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ "分析：解放军围台军演武器更先进 打击能力更强". 联合早报 (in Chinese). 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ "越海杀器 剑指"台独" _大公网". 大公网 (in Chinese). 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ "Chinese PLA conducts "Joint Sword-2024B" drills surrounding Taiwan island". English.news.cn. 2024-10-14. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ Johnson, Jesse (2024-10-14). "China kicks off fresh round of large-scale war games around Taiwan". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2024-10-14.