TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB, 國安局) on Wednesday (Oct. 16) highlighted China recent military exercise's short duration, small area, and high intensity of air force mobilization. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA, 解放軍) launched the "Joint Sword-2024B" (聯合利劍-2024B) military exercise around Taiwan on Monday, mobilizing a record 125 aircraft in just 13 hours.
Director-General of the NSB Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) stated that China used the drill to address domestic audiences, acknowledging that international support for Taiwan has thwarted its strategies. He emphasized that the international community, including the U.S. Department of Defense, expressed grave concerns, viewing the exercise as a threat to regional peace.
China released a one-minute video titled "Sitting on Warships Watching Hualien and Taitung" (坐著軍艦看花東) to which Tsai assured that the NSB is tracing misinformation, notifying other government agencies for clarification and appropriate action.
In terms of future exercises, Tsai did not dismiss the possibility of a "Joint Sword-2024C" drill. He pledged to enhance cooperation and intelligence sharing with allied nations to maintain strategic communication and monitor China's political intentions and military activities.
