China PLA Conducts Joint Sword-2024A Military Drills Surrounding Taiwan Island

Tensions in the Asia-Pacific region show no signs of abating – Chinese exercises called “Joint Sword 2024A” are taking place around Taiwan and the islands under its control. The PLA’s air and naval forces, as well as Chinese coast guard ships, are participating, demonstratively passing near the Wuqiu and Dongyin islands. During the exercises, PLA ships and aircraft will approach Taiwan for patrols and joint operations. The goal is to test the real combat capabilities of the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command. 🔻As in the 2022 and 2023 exercises, the Chinese military is practicing a scenario of encircling the island from…