TheJoint Sword-2024A (Chinese:联合利剑—2024A) was a military exercise organized by theEastern Theater Command of thePeople's Liberation Army (PLA) to organize the land, sea, air, and rocket forces of the theatre of operations in the vicinity ofKinmen,Matsu Islands, and theIsland of Taiwan.[1][2][3]
The Eastern Theater Command of Operations conducted the initial round of military drills from May 23 to May 24, 2024, Beijing time.[4] It was followed by theJoint Sword-2024B that was conducted on October 14 to 15, 2024, Beijing time.[5]
The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command initiated joint exercises and training in the Taiwan Strait, the northern, southern, and eastern regions of the island of Taiwan, as well as the areas surroundingKinmen,Matsu Islands,Wuqiu Island, andDongyin Island, at 0745 hours on May 23, 2024.[6] After the Joint Operations Command Center of the Eastern Theatre issued operational instructions, theEast Sea Fleet's numerous frigate formations maneuvered at high velocities in multiple directions to the waters surrounding the island of Taiwan.[6] The ships initiated combat deployment upon their scheduled arrival at the designated sea area. TheEastern Theater Command Air Force conducted systematic war patrols around Taiwan and the outer islands by deploying dozens of fighter aircraft.[7] ThePeople's Liberation Army Rocket Force provided support and cover for multi-model formations, which were fully loaded with live ammunition, as they flew to predetermined airspace to establish a number of strike positions.[8][9]
On May 23, Li Xi, the spokesman for the Eastern Theater Command, stated that the separatist forces seeking "uniqueness" are "Taiwan independence" and are demonstrating strong discipline. He also issued a serious warning to external forces that are interfering with provocations. Li Xi then disclosed the use of weapons and equipment, includingChengdu J-20,Shenyang J-16,Type 052C destroyer,Type 071 amphibious transport dock,Dongfeng series missiles, and box-type long-range rockets.[10][11]
