China's 'Joint Sword-2024B' Drills Heighten Taiwan Tensions

Taiwan reported a record-high detection of 153 Chinese military aircraft around the island during China's 'Joint Sword-2024B' military drills, viewed as Beijing's stern warning against Taiwan's separatist actions. Out of these, 111 warplanes crossed the unofficial median line of the Taiwan Strait, but no Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan's sovereign airspace. The exercises involved various military assets, including fighter jets, drones, warships, and the Liaoning aircraft carrier, simulating a blockade around Taiwan. Taiwan responded by deploying its own military resources to monitor the situation, while Japan expressed concerns over the increased military activities. The drills followed Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's National Day speech asserting the island's independence from China, which Beijing condemned. The Taiwan Strait remains a crucial maritime artery, and disruptions here could impact global trade due to Taiwan's significant role in the semiconductor industry.