The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday launched
joint military exercises around Taiwan island, marking another large-scale operation following the "Joint Sword-2024A" and "Joint Sword-2024B" drills conducted in May and October 2024. The latest exercise carries three major strategic implications and will deliver a strong deterrent message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, said an expert on the Taiwan question.
Starting Tuesday, the PLA Eastern Theater Command organized its army, navy, air force, and rocket force to approach Taiwan island from multiple directions. The drills focused on maritime and aerial combat patrols, establishing joint operational control, carrying out strikes against sea and land targets, and blockading key areas and strategic routes, with the aim of testing the theater command's real combat capabilities in joint operations.
Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities often attempt to conceal their underlying fears by claiming to be "unaffected" by moves of the mainland, Zhu Guilan, an expert from the Institute of Taiwan Studies under Tsinghua University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
However, Lai has introduced the so-called "whole-of-society defense resilience" strategy and increased the "defense budget" to 3 percent of GDP, which is clear evidence of the real deterrent effect of the PLA's exercises, said Zhu.
On the other hand, public discussions about moving out of the island have surged on the island, while economic elites have raised concerns over economic stability and investment prospects - both tangible social reactions triggered by the PLA's military activities, said Zhu.
Zhu outlined three key significances of the military exercises, the first being that it serves as a concrete military action to safeguard China's Constitution. She noted that the exercises deliver a targeted blow to "Taiwan independence" forces and reflects the firm resolve of the Chinese people to uphold the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which cannot be violated or divided.
The second significance, Zhu said, is that the exercises represent a firm implementation of the Anti-Secession Law. "This year marks the 20th anniversary of the law's implementation. Since 2005, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people have resolutely advanced the fight against secession, employing political, economic, military, diplomatic, and legal measures in a comprehensive approach. This military exercise is a critical and integral part of that ongoing struggle," Zhu said.
Third, Zhu said the exercises underscore that, under certain circumstances, the state may adopt non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It clearly defines a red line that "Taiwan independence" separatist forces must not cross, making them full aware of the serious consequences of their actions.
Zhu said that the military exercises will inevitably have a strong deterrent effect on "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in three key ways. First, it fully showcases the PLA's military strength and advanced capabilities, making clear to separatist forces the resolve and ability of the PLA and the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, thereby discouraging reckless provocations.
Moreover, the exercises served to comprehensively test and further enhance the PLA's combat capabilities and operational readiness. By conducting joint drills involving multiple military branches and a variety of combat scenarios, the exercises demonstrated the PLA's ability to carry out precision strikes and enforce joint blockades, further reinforcing its deterrent posture against "Taiwan independence" forces, said Zhu.
Additionally, the exercises reaffirmed that the PLA maintains full-time combat readiness, is prepared to fight at any moment, and is determined to prevail. It sends a clear message to separatist forces that the PLA stands ready to respond swiftly and decisively to any provocation, said the expert.
