Compare separate exercises around Taiwan and the activities described by Taiwan's authorities. An exercise announcement is distinct from an invasion or an actual blockade.
May 2024-April 2025, based on attributed official reporting.
Dates without a time use the local date of the event.
Taiwan Ministry of National Defense
Taiwan's defense ministry reported China's announcement of Joint Sword-2024A exercises in waters and airspace around Taiwan.
This source documents Taiwan's account of the announcement, not independently measured military effectiveness.
Taiwan Coast Guard Administration
Taiwan's coast guard said Chinese coast guard vessels circled Matsu islands during Joint Sword-2024B.
This October episode is separate from the May exercise. The account comes from one of the authorities involved.
Taiwan Ministry of National Defense
Taiwan's 2025 defense report identifies April 2 as the date of Strait Thunder-2025A and describes exercises involving blockade and inspection capabilities.
The event date comes from the later report. Simulating a blockade does not establish that commercial access was continuously blocked.
May 2024-April 2025, based on attributed official reporting.
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