China began exercises to block all ports in Taiwan.

The Chinese army on Monday, October 14, began exercises around the island of Taiwan, saying it was sending a "strict warning to separatist forces" on the island.

Taiwan called China's maneuvers a provocation and said it had sent appropriate forces in response.

According to Xinhua, the Joint Sword-2024B exercise in the Taiwan Strait involves ground troops, naval, air force and missile forces. The Chinese military will reportedly "conduct joint assault maneuvers involving a heterogeneous strike force" approaching the island from the north, south and east sides.

Li Xi, a spokesman for the Chinese army’s Eastern Combat Command zone, said the Chinese forces planned to “focus on blocking and taking control of key ports and areas, striking sea and land targets.” The exercise will serve as a “powerful shock and awe to separatist forces,” a Chinese military official added.

Taiwanese President Lai Qingde convened an emergency meeting on national security issues, and instructed relevant structures to respond to the actions of the PRC.

https://www.svoboda.org/a/kitay-nachal-ucheniya-po-blokirovaniyu-portov-tayvanya/33157657.html