Tue Oct 15 23:06:59 UTC 2024: ## China’s Military Drills Around Taiwan Spark International Concerns
**Taipei, Taiwan (October 15, 2024)** – Taiwan detected a record 153 Chinese military aircraft operating around the island on Tuesday, following a day of large-scale drills by China in a show of force. This unprecedented number of aircraft, including fighter jets, drones, and warships, was recorded in the 25 hours leading up to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, according to Taiwan’s Defence Ministry.
The drills, dubbed “Joint Sword 2024B,” were held in areas north, south, and east of Taiwan. China claims the drills were a response to “separatist acts” of “Taiwan Independence” forces and a warning against any attempts by Taiwan to declare independence. The drills included the deployment of the Liaoning aircraft carrier, marking the fourth round of large-scale exercises in the past two years.
Taiwan condemned the drills as “irrational and provocative,” while the United States called them “unwarranted” and a risk of escalation. Japan scrambled fighter jets near its southern island of Yonaguni and expressed concern over the drills to the Chinese government.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry urged China to refrain from “causing trouble for no reason” and to avoid undermining peace and stability.
Despite the heightened military activity, people in Taipei seemed relatively unfazed by the exercises. “To denounce and threaten with military force is not a big deal,” said 78-year-old retiree Lai Chih-wai. “We don’t think it is possible that they will invade us with force.”
The dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the defeated Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan. Since then, China has considered Taiwan part of its territory, while Taiwan maintains its own democratic government.
The recent escalation of tensions between the two sides has raised concerns about the potential for conflict in the region.
First Piper 