With the presence of the aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17) of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), Chinese air and naval forces were deployed around the island of Taiwan to conduct a new large-scale exercise. Being the first of its kind this year, elements of land, air, and naval units were detected by Taiwanese authorities along the island’s northern, southern, and eastern coasts.
The beginning of April was marked by a new show of force by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. Following the two editions of the Joint Sword 2024 exercise, this new deployment of naval and aerial assets has no official designation. However, this lack of a name is reportedly part of China’s intention to demonstrate that its military maneuvers around Taiwan “have become a normal practice,” according to analyst Zhang Chi of the National Defense University in statements to Chinese local media.
According to reports from the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA, ships, aircraft, and artillery were deployed to conduct blockade maneuvers, attacks on land and maritime targets, and aerial interceptions. In response, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that no live ammunition was used, though it did register the presence of at least 71 PLA Air Force aircraft (36 within its area of responsibility), 21 warships (eight belonging to the Shandong Carrier Strike Group), and four Coast Guard vessels. The exact duration of the exercises remains uncertain.
It is particularly relevant to highlight that both the Shandong aircraft carrier and its escort ships were detected by Taiwanese forces on March 29 as they entered the area of responsibility that includes the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding zones of the island. Since then, they have been closely monitored. Regarding Taiwanese assets deployed to track their activity, reports indicate the deployment of F-16 fighters, the frigates Tian Dan (1110) and Yi Yung (939), and the destroyer Su Ao (1802), among other assets dedicated to surveillance and monitoring of the PLA forces.
Lastly, it is important to note that this exercise takes place while U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is conducting a series of visits to various U.S. allied countries in the region. This tour reflects the growing interest of the North American country in the region and its concerns over the expansion of China’s and North Korea’s military capabilities. Therefore, such deployments by China around the island come as no surprise, serving as demonstrations of power and military capabilities.
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