China is conducting the Joint Sword 2024B drills to practice offensive actions around Taiwan.

The command of the People’s Liberation Army of China reported on this.

On October 14, the PLA’ Eastern Theater Command sent its troops to conduct military exercises codenamed “Joint Sword-2024B” in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of island of Taiwan.

As part of the operation, China deployed the Liaoning aircraft carrier group to conduct the joint exercises with the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces.

According to the official report, the troops of various types will focus on patrolling the sea and airspace, practicing blockading the key ports and areas of island, and assaulting sea and land targets.

“The exercise also serves as a stern warning to the separatist actions of the “Taiwan Independence” Forces. It is a legitimate and necessary operation to protect national sovereignty and national unity,” said Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesman for the Chinese PLA’ Command in the Eastern Theater.

The Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said that outlying islands under Taipei’s control were on “high alert” and that “aircraft and ships will respond to the enemy actions in accordance with the rules of engagement.”

The ministry also reported that 25 aircraft and 7 ships of the People’s Liberation Army had approached island over the past day.

It is noted that 16 planes had crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait, entering the area of the island’s air defense system in the southwest and east.

The duration of the operation is currently unknown, but the previous large-scale exercise Joint Sword 2024A, held in May, lasted two days.

This is the fourth such exercise in two years. During the previous military maneuvers, China practiced a similar scenario, reserving the same or nearby waters around Taiwan.

Militarnyi previously reported that the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force was preparing their equipment for modern threats on the battlefield by equipping armored vehicles with anti-drone grilles during the exercises.