The People Republic of China launched massive military drills around the island of Taiwan visibly retaliating against Taiwan’s President recent allusion to independance. Responding to “separatist” comments made by Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te during his May 20th inauguration, the PRC leadership initiated operation Joint Sword-2024A, according to Xinhua news agency. The operation is to be conducted between Thursday at 7:45 am through Friday across the Taiwan Strait. The area involved has been identified as “the north, south and east of Taiwan Island, as well as areas around the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin” completely surrounded by forces attached the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). A map published by China’s People Liberation Army showed the area in which the “blockade” was being enforced.
According to the New York Times, Taiwan Defense Ministry indicated that it has detected 15 Chinese navy vessels, 16 Chinese coast guard vessels and 42 Chinese military aircraft around the island, but outside of its territorial waters.