Figures released by Taiwan’s defence ministry showed there was no increase in the number of PLA warplanes and warships detected near the island following William Lai Ching-te ’s Double Tenth address on October 10.
According to the Taiwanese figures, the PLA conducted seven to 27 sorties per day in the week following Lai’s speech.
It was a different story last year, when the PLA responded with a show of force around the island in war games dubbed “ Joint Sword-2024B ” that involved 153 warplane sorties.
Beijing said at the time that the massive drill aimed to punish Taipei for its provocation.
03:25
PLA launches blockade drills around Taiwan, days after speech by island’s leader
PLA launches blockade drills around Taiwan, days after speech by island’s leader
The most recent large-scale PLA exercise near Taiwan was on April 1, when its warplanes conducted 76 sorties in what Beijing said was a “serious warning” to “Taiwan independence forces”.
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster