On October 14, the Chinese Ministry of Defense announced that the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a military exercise named “Joint Sword – 2024B.” A spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command emphasized that this exercise serves as a strong deterrent against Taiwan’s independence forces and is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and maintain unity.

In an interview with a reporter from China News Service, military experts discussed the highlights, objectives, and significance of this exercise. They pointed out that regardless of the methods employed by Taiwan independence proponents, they are bound to hit a dead end. The recent exercise is expected to create an even stronger deterrent effect against such forces.

Experts noted that this military drill is a robust response to Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Ching-te’s so-called “Double Ten” speech delivered in Taipei earlier this month. Following Lai’s “inaugural speech” in May, the PLA similarly demonstrated its resolve by conducting the “Joint Sword – 2024A” exercise.

Fu Zhengnan, from the Academy of Military Sciences, expressed that the signal sent by the “Joint Sword – 2024A” exercise was clear: radical “Taiwan independence” efforts would not be tolerated. The “Joint Sword – 2024B” exercise takes this further by emphasizing that deceitful or incremental forms of “Taiwan independence” will also not go unchallenged. “Regardless of how ‘Taiwan independence’ manifests, there is only one path forward for them—a dead end,” he stated.

As for the geographic focus of the exercise, the official map indicates that the six planned areas now encircle Taiwan Island, an increase from “Joint Sword – 2024A.” In a video posted on the Eastern Theater Command’s social media account, it was highlighted that “the more provocations there are, the tighter the squeeze.”

Fu Zhengnan further explained that the exercise is designed for a more comprehensive and three-dimensional deployment, with a sharper focus on “tightening the lock on Taiwan.” He warned that any further provocation from “Taiwan independence” advocates would lead to an increased pressure from the PLA around the island.

The exercise involved various branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force. Numerous ships and aircraft operated close to Taiwan, conducting joint assaults and focusing on key areas such as maritime and aerial combat readiness, as well as comprehensive control and strikes against land and sea targets to test the joint operational capabilities of the theater forces.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group participated as well, engaging in coordinated operations in the waters east of Taiwan, refining joint air operations and targeting practice against both sea and land. Zhang Chi from the National Defense University pointed out that this exercise underscores the PLA’s determination to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity, showcasing its formidable strength and unwavering resolve while further tightening the pressure on Taiwan.

Simultaneously, on the same day, four Chinese Coast Guard vessels conducted law enforcement patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan, maintaining surveillance around the island. This sighting mirrored actions taken during the “Joint Sword – 2024A” exercise in May, indicating a continuous commitment to patrol in tandem with military exercises.

Fu Zhengnan mentioned that the nature of joint operations is evolving and optimizing, indicating an expanding array of options and stronger resolve. “If the Lai Ching-te administration insists on playing with fire, it will face grave consequences.”

Over the past eight years, under the influence of the Democratic Progressive Party’s pro-independence stance, Taiwan has encountered serious turmoil and divisions, leading to deteriorating social circumstances and economic distress, while cross-strait relations have sharply declined. History shows that the path of “Taiwan independence” will only distance Taiwan from peace and prosperity.

An article published in the PLA Daily reiterated that Lai’s recycled claims of “Taiwan independence” expose a stubborn stance that could bring significant suffering to the Taiwanese people. The article underscores that as long as provocations continue, the PLA’s actions to uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity will remain unceasing.

“We aim to clearly inform Lai Ching-te’s administration through these exercises that the path of ‘Taiwan independence’ is invariably a dead end,” Zhang Chi concluded, reiterating that, “for every provocation by separatist forces, the PLA will advance a step closer; and the closer the ties between these separatist forces and external powers, the tighter our blockade of Taiwan will become.”