CHINA-TAIWAN-MILITARY-DRILLS

(AFP) This handout from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command released on October 14, 2024 shows a map of locations of the "Joint Sword-2024B" military drills being conducted by China around Taiwan. China deployed planes and ships to encircle Taiwan on October 14, in drills Beijing said were aimed at sending a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces on the self-ruled island.

Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control and Monday's drills represent its fourth round of large-scale war games in the past two years. (Photo by Handout / THE EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND OF CHINA'S PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY / AFP) / -----EDITORS NOTE --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / CHINA'S PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY (PLA) EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS