China's Joint Sword Drills Heighten Taiwan Tensions

Amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, China conducted large-scale military drills, named Joint Sword-2024B, around Taiwan, involving a record 153 military aircraft and several naval vessels, as a warning against 'separatist acts'. The exercises were condemned by Taiwan and Western countries, perceived as destabilizing and disproportionate by the US and its allies, including Japan, which scrambled fighter jets near its southern island. In response, the US and the Philippines launched the annual Kamandag joint exercises, focusing on coastal defense and crisis response, but stressed it was unrelated to Taiwan's situation. Taiwan's defense ministry expressed readiness against perceived threats, while reiterating Taiwan's rejection of Beijing's territorial claims. The international community, including Australia and the UK, has called for restraint and dialogue to maintain peace and stability in the region.