Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported a record detection of 153 Chinese military aircraft in a single day, coinciding with Chinese military exercises labeled Joint Sword 2024/B. This significant military activity occurred over a 25-hour period ending at 6 a.m. local time on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Alongside the aircraft, 14 Chinese ships were also monitored in the vicinity of the island.
The military exercises conducted by Beijing aimed to send a 'stern warning' to Taiwan's leadership, particularly in response to pro-independence sentiments. This show of force comes shortly after Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te's speech on National Day, where he emphasized the need to resist Chinese annexation and protect Taiwan's sovereignty.
China's military maneuvers are part of an ongoing pattern of heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei, especially since the election of Tsai Ing-wen in 2016 and the subsequent leadership of Lai Ching-te. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has consistently pressured Taiwan's government over independence claims.
