China Threatens ‘Path to Death’ for Taiwan Independence Leaders Amid Military Drills

China has made it clear that it won’t hesitate to use military force if Taiwan pushes for independence, signaling an escalation in tensions.

According to Bloomberg, Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson Wu Qian warned that if Taiwan declares independence, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would intensify its operations until the Taiwan issue is fully resolved. He further cautioned that those advocating for Taiwan’s independence should understand that pursuing this path is akin to facing a sharp blade, leading to their demise.

On Monday, the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command conducted a military drill called “Joint Sword-2024B,” surrounding Taiwan with the aircraft carrier Liaoning. “Li Jian” means “sharp sword,” and the exercise mobilized ground, naval, air forces, and rocket troops. This followed an earlier Joint Sword-2024 drill conducted in May, shortly after pro-U.S. and independence-leaning Lai Ching-te became Taiwan’s president. This exercise similarly mobilized PLA forces around Taiwan’s outlying Matsu Island.

Reuters reported that the exercise began at 5 a.m. and concluded at 6 p.m. after 13 hours. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense confirmed that 125 Chinese military aircraft operated around Taiwan, with 90 crossing the Taiwan Strait’s median line.

Wu Qian also aimed at Taiwan’s new president, accusing Lai of “inciting hostile confrontation and attempting to change the fact that both sides belong to the same China.” He blamed the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) independence push and external interference for destabilizing peace and stability in the region, firmly stating, “Taiwan cannot become a country.”

In response, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense downplayed the immediate threat. It confirmed that no Chinese warships and military aircraft entered Taiwan’s territorial waters, contiguous zone, or airspace, adding that the situation around the Taiwan Strait is normal. They also confirmed that there were no signs of missile launches or activities related to the establishment of no-sail zones, though they continue to monitor Chinese rocket forces.

The Eastern Theater Command conducted this exercise and concentrated its forces near the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. It faces Japan’s 2nd Escort Group and the world’s top air force based at Kadena Air Base in the U.S., making it a strategically important location for China. Experts note that the lack of personnel reductions in recent years reflects Chinese President Xi Jinping’s strong stance toward Taiwan.

Lai, who is known to have a stronger pro-independence stance than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, took office in May with a strong pro-in In his inaugural speech, he vowed that “Taiwan will not compromise on democracy and freedom” and emphasized that peace in the Taiwan Strait should be a common goal. In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Lai, calling his independence goals a delusion and labeling him as an independence activist.