China starts ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan
China has commenced military drills around Taiwan just three days after William Lai was inaugurated as the new president of the self-governed island.
Li Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, described the drills as a “strong punishment” for “separatist acts.”
The exercises began early Thursday and are taking place around the main island, including the Taiwan Strait to its west, and near the Taipei-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.
Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned Beijing’s actions, labeling them “irrational provocations.” In response, Taipei has deployed naval, air, and ground forces to “defend the island’s sovereignty,” according to the ministry.
China’s military stated that the drills focus on joint sea-air combat readiness patrols, precision strikes on key targets, and integrated operations both inside and outside the island to test the “joint real combat capabilities” of its forces. They reiterated that these actions are a punishment for Taiwan’s “separatist acts” and a warning against external interference.
China has long claimed Taiwan as part of its territory, while the island considers itself distinct. Beijing has labeled Lai a “separatist” and “troublemaker” due to his past remarks supporting Taiwanese independence. In his inauguration speech last Monday, Lai urged China to “stop threatening Taiwan.” This was denounced by Beijing, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi calling Lai “disgraceful.”
Following Lai’s election victory last January, Beijing reiterated that “Taiwan is part of China” and has repeatedly rejected Lai’s offers for talks. Over the past year, China has conducted numerous military drills around Taiwan, increasing incursions in the weeks leading up to Lai’s inauguration. Although these maneuvers have not escalated to an invasion, they fall within a grey zone aimed at weakening Taiwan over time.
Analysts suggest that China’s grey zone warfare tactics are designed to undermine Taiwan gradually. Taiwan has criticized Thursday’s drills, stating they “highlight Beijing’s militaristic mentality” and pointing out that continuous harassment by Chinese aircraft and ships has significantly harmed global peace and stability.
This military exercise not only fails to contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait but also highlights the aggressive militaristic mentality of the Chinese military,” said Taiwan’s defence ministry.