Hommam Al Nassim 
On Thursday morning, China began extensive military exercises around Taiwan, conducting simulated strikes after deploying dozens of fighter jets to participate in the maneuvers.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese military initiated joint drills in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south, and east of the island, as well as around the Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin islands.
Li Shi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese military, stated that these exercises, codenamed “Joint Sword-2024A,” will run from Thursday to Friday.
Li emphasized that the drills are “focused on joint naval and air combat readiness patrols, comprehensive battlefield control, and precise joint strikes on key targets.”
Li explained that the drills include “ship and aircraft patrols approaching areas around Taiwan Island and integrated operations within and beyond the island chain to test the real combat capabilities of the command forces.”
Li also noted that “the exercises serve as a strong punishment for the separatist actions of the so-called Taiwan independence forces and a stern warning against external forces’ interference and provocations.”
Reuters reported that “the Chinese drills come three days after Taiwan’s new President, Lai Ching-te, took office, whom Beijing considers a separatist.”
It is noteworthy that the last time China announced similar drills around Taiwan was in August, in addition to exercises simulating the island’s encirclement in April.
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