Beijing say the drills are a “strong punishment” for “separatist acts,” three days after Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te was sworn in. Taiwan has condemned the “irrational provocations.”
Chinese naval vessels and military aircraft encircled Taiwan as Beijing conducted joint military drills on Thursday following the inauguration of Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te.
In the past, Beijing has called Lai a “dangerous separatist” who will bring “war and decline” to the region.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said the “irrational provocation has jeopardized regional peace and stability.”
This is the best summary I could come up with:
Chinese military Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Naval Colonel Li Xi said the drills are a “strong punishment” for “separatist acts” three days after Lai was sworn in.
Although the drills are short-term, their scope is significant, aiming to demonstrate China’s control over the seas and deter foreign intervention, experts said.
The self-ruled island’s Defense Ministry said in a statement that it “strongly condemned such irrational provocations and actions that undermine regional peace and stability.”
“In the face of external challenges and threats, we will continue to defend democracy,” presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said in a statement.
Taipei’s relations with Beijing have deteriorated in recent years as China has increased pressure on the democratic island, raising periodic concerns about a potential invasion.
Beijing had previously rebuffed President Lai’s attempts at dialogue and increased military activities near Taiwan since his election win in January.
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