USNI News – China launched a large-scale, one-day military drill Monday that simulated a blockade of Taiwan. The exercise, code-named “Joint Sword – 2024B,” involved the People’s Liberation Army Navy, PLA Air Force, PLA Rocket Force and China Coast Guard. The drill was a response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech, in which he asserted Taiwan’s independence from China.
“The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other,” Lai said on Thursday and “The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan.”