On October 14, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command conducted a joint military exercise named “Joint Sword-2024B.” Forces from the ground, navy, air, and rocket units participated in the drills located around the Taiwan Strait, the northern and southern regions of Taiwan, and east of the island. Rear Admiral Li Xi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, emphasized that this exercise serves as a strong deterrent against separatist forces seeking “independence” and is a legitimate measure to defend national sovereignty and uphold unity.
The focus of this exercise was on key areas such as maritime and aerial combat readiness, securing critical ports and regions, striking both land and sea targets, and gaining comprehensive control of strategic areas. After the joint command center issued operational orders, naval and aerial forces approached Taiwan from multiple directions, coordinating to create a multi-pronged encirclement strategy.
In regions including the Taiwan Strait, northern Taiwan, southwestern Taiwan, and east of the island, several naval destroyers from the Eastern Theater Command conducted simultaneous training exercises. Upon reaching their designated waters, the fleet swiftly organized for combat, with weapon systems prepared to respond immediately. Supported by a joint operational framework, the naval formations conducted continuous multi-domain control and targeted regional capture drills.
Advanced fighter jets and bombers from the Eastern Theater Command crossed the strait and quickly approached, utilizing a coordinated response between ships and aircraft to gain comprehensive battlefield control. Various types of fighter jets launched from several airports along the southeast coast, assembled in combat formations, and proceeded to designated airspace to establish air superiority, opening corridors for air strikes. This operation facilitated the bombing of distant targets through the Bashi Channel, enabling coordinated strike exercises.
In distant maritime areas, multiple batches of H-6K bombers loaded with live munitions rapidly flew to designated airspace with the assistance of early warning planes, jammers, and carrier-based aircraft, establishing strike positions to simulate multiple waves of joint attacks on “enemy” port military targets. Refueling aircraft were dispatched to ensure that fighter jets involved in support missions received mid-air refueling, allowing them to maintain prolonged operational presence.
Rapidly responding to orders, a long-range rocket artillery team from the army swiftly assembled personnel and requisitioned weaponry, showcasing their readiness for action. This exercise primarily focused on organizing joint control operations and rapid response capabilities, enhancing the team’s quick reaction and integrated operational skills.
Rocket troops moved quickly to the operational area, completing launch preparations under high alert. Upon receiving orders, they executed simulated strikes on predetermined targets with various missile models and large payloads, swiftly transitioning between waves and securing launch positions, poised to initiate follow-up strike actions at any moment.
(Reported by: Huang Kunlun, Cao Lixian, Zhang Lei, Lü Xiaobo, Ma Yuchen, Xiang Limin, Hu Yunyuan, Wei Qiaoqiao, Zheng Wenda, Wang Yuansen, Wang Fei, Zhang Chengming, Wang Wenhao, Wang Yixin)
