PLA Conducts Joint Military Exercises Near Taiwan to Enhance Combat Readiness

On Tuesday, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) commenced a set of joint military exercises that bring together its army, navy, air, and rocket forces to encircle Taiwan from various directions. According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, these drills are centered on realizing sea-air combat readiness, securing overall dominance, attacking both maritime and land targets, and enforcing blockades on critical regions and sea routes. Shi emphasized that these exercises represent a serious warning and a potent deterrent against the separatist forces advocating for Taiwan's independence, describing it as a legitimate measure to protect China’s sovereignty and national unity.

Unlike earlier drills such as Joint Sword-2024A and Joint Sword-2024B, which were categorized by specific codenames, this recent exercise did not carry a title. Military expert Zhang Chi remarked that the absence of a codename suggests that such operations have become routine for the PLA, akin to a regular training day. Over the past few years, the PLA has significantly improved its combat readiness through multiple exercises in the Taiwan Straits, not only enhancing the fighting spirit of its troops but also strengthening their psychological resilience and operational style, allowing them to execute tasks under conditions that closely mimic actual combat.

Additionally, Zhang pointed out that these regular exercises help PLA forces acclimatize to the battlefield environment. As drills progress and move ever closer to Taiwan, it enhances their understanding and control of the operational landscape in the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, the high-intensity nature of these exercises has bolstered the PLA's joint operational capabilities and validated the efficacy of various weapons and equipment, signifying a continual enhancement in combat readiness. Zhang concluded that these drills assert the PLA's unwavering commitment and adeptness in defending national sovereignty, warning that the PLA's responses will intensify in tandem with any provocations from "Taiwan independence" advocates or their foreign collaborators, further tightening their operational grip on the region.