The John Batchelor Show 44: Joint Sword 2024: China's Anaconda Strategy Against Taiwan and Washington's Persistence in Failed Engagement. Captain James Fanell and Bradley Thayer assert that America must urgently reverse its strategic errors regarding China. Fanell notes that China i
Nov 1, 2025
Captain James Fanell, a retired U.S. Navy captain and expert on Chinese military operations, and Bradley Thayer, an academic focused on U.S.-China relations, delve into the rising tensions surrounding Taiwan. They discuss China's aggressive military exercises, particularly the 'Joint Sword 2024,' and reveal the so-called 'Anaconda strategy' aimed at suffocating Taiwan. Thayer critiques Washington's persistent reliance on flawed engagement policies, highlighting the influence of PRC investments on American institutions as a barrier to a stronger response.
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PLA's Joint Sword Exercises Signal Real War Practice
- China announced "Joint Sword 2024 Alpha" to practice multi-day operations very close to Taiwan's main island.
- Captain James Fennell warns this simulates ballistic strikes, blockades, and joint island-landing campaigns to suffocate Taiwan.
Anaconda Strategy: Pressure By Repetition
- The PRC uses an "Anaconda strategy," steadily increasing pressure to surround and suffocate Taiwan.
- Fennell predicts repeated Alpha, Bravo, Charlie drills to normalize and operationalize that pressure campaign.
Exercises Intended As Signals To Regional Powers
- Joint Sword signals to Tokyo, Manila, and the U.S. that Beijing will press its campaign regardless of opposition.
- Fennell frames the exercises as a test and challenge to U.S. Indo-Pacific command readiness.
