In a significant move aimed at bolstering China's military prowess, President Xi Jinping has directed the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force to strengthen its deterrence and combat capabilities. This directive comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, particularly around Taiwan, where China has been conducting large-scale military exercises.
According to reports from state-run media, President Xi Jinping made these remarks during an inspection of a PLA Rocket Force brigade on Thursday, October 17, 2024. The brigade, boasting a history of over 50 years, has intensified its real-combat training and successfully carried out significant missions since the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress in 2012.
During his visit, Xi emphasized the importance of upholding the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces and strengthening Party-building at the primary level. He urged the officers and soldiers to have good command and make the best use of the weapons in their hands, while also living up to the trust of the Party and the people.
Xi's call for enhanced deterrence and combat capabilities is part of a broader strategy aimed at safeguarding national strategic security and core interests. The PLA Rocket Force manages China's nuclear and missile arsenals, making it a critical component in the country's military arsenal.
The recent military exercises around Taiwan have been a focal point of international attention. Beijing has described these drills as a 'stern warning' to 'separatist' movements on the self-governed island. The United States, Taiwan's most crucial ally and largest arms supplier, has condemned the drills, calling them 'unwarranted' and warning that they risk 'escalation' while urging Beijing to exercise restraint.
Taiwan has responded to the latest exercises by mobilizing 'appropriate forces' and placing outlying islands under Taipei's administration on 'heightened alert.' The Taiwanese Defense Ministry assured that 'aircraft and ships will respond to enemy situations in accordance with the engagement rules'.
The exercises included simulated attacks on maritime and ground targets, with Chinese fighter jets and warships deployed. Additionally, China's coast guard was deployed to conduct inspections around the island, as shown in a diagram indicating four fleets moving in an encircling, anticlockwise formation around Taiwan.
Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese militarys Eastern Theater Command, stated that the drills tested the joint operational capabilities of its forces, focusing on sea-air combat-readiness patrols and blockades of key ports and areas. The exercises were dubbed 'Joint Sword-2024B' by Beijing.
The intensification of troop training and combat preparedness is a recurring theme in Xi's directives. He has emphasized the need for targeted training with new equipment, new skills, and new combat methods. This approach aims to systematically enhance combat capabilities and improve support systems.
Recent reports from Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) indicate that 10 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels were detected near Taiwan's territory on October 19. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.
The escalating tensions around Taiwan have significant implications for regional security. Analysts suggest that Xi Jinping is seeking to keep in check the Lai administration in Taiwan and Washington's increasing engagement with the island.
In conclusion, President Xi Jinping's call for the PLA Rocket Force to enhance its deterrence and combat capabilities underscores China's commitment to maintaining its military prowess. As tensions around Taiwan continue to rise, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of regional security.
