China holds large naval and air force exercises around Taiwan as a warning against independence
Associated PressOct 11
China Holds Military Drills Around Taiwan
Above: A pair of Taiwanese navy Kuang Hua VI-class missile boats sail in Keelung harbor on Oct. 14, 2024. Image copyright: I-HWA CHENG/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
China conducted military exercises around Taiwan on Monday, involving joint operations of the army, navy, air force, and rocket force.
The drills, code-named "Joint Sword-2024B," were described by China as a "stern warning" against "separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces."
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
China's military drills are a necessary response to Taiwan's provocative actions. Taiwan's leadership continues to push for independence, disregarding the one-China principle and threatening regional stability. These exercises demonstrate China's resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and national unity, conveying that any attempts at Taiwan independence are futile and will be met with firm opposition.
Anti-China narrative
Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, and China's military exercises are an unreasonable provocation that undermines regional peace and stability. Pres. Lai's speech merely affirmed Taiwan's democratic values and willingness to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait. China's aggressive actions only serve to increase tensions and highlight its disregard for Taiwan's 23M people and their right to self-determination.