14 Oct 2024 | 05:31 AM UTC
China: China's People's Liberation Army conducting military exercises in Taiwan Strait as of the morning of Oct. 14.
Chinese military launches military exercise in Taiwan Strait as of the morning of Oct. 14. Flight, maritime disruptions possible.
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force around 05:00-07:00 Oct. 14. The planned military drills, named "Joint Sword-2024B," also affect areas north, south, and east of Taiwan. The PLA has not announced live-fire drills or exclusion zones or confirmed when the exercises would conclude.
Additional air and sea exercises are likely through at least Oct. 15. Taiwanese officials will likely maintain intensified air and sea patrols in the coming days. Limited maritime shipping delays and flight disruptions are possible.
Monitor trusted local sources for potential shipping congestion and delays. Consider alternative transport for time-sensitive cargo. Confirm flights Oct. 14 if traveling through airports in Taiwan as a precaution.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated that the military drills are in response to alleged separatist forces in Taiwan. The event follows Taiwan's National Day commemoration on Oct. 10. Chinese military activity in the Taiwan Strait typically increases in response to remarks by Taiwanese leaders on China-Taiwan relations or during symbolic dates. Previously, China held military drills May 23-24 after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's inauguration on May 20.
While the likelihood of armed conflict in the Taiwan Strait remains low, further military exercises, including intrusions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), remain likely in the medium to long term.
