China Conducts 'Warning' Military Exercises Near Taiwan Following New Leader's Inauguration

China has begun military drills near Taiwan as a form of "punishment" for what it sees as "separatist acts." This comes shortly after Taiwan inaugurated a new democratically elected leader.

These exercises, which began on Thursday, will completely surround Taiwan. This will be a significant challenge for Lai Ching-te as he navigates delicate relations with China following his recent inauguration as Taiwan's president.

China's ruling Communist Party claims that Taiwan is part of its territory, even though it has never governed the island, and has promised to reunify it, even if it means using force.

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced that it conducted joint military exercises involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force near Taiwan at 7.45 a.m. on Thursday.

Drills are currently underway in the Taiwan Strait, a narrow body of water that separates the self-governing island from mainland China. Additionally, exercises are being conducted in the northern, southern, and eastern regions of Taiwan. The drills also extend to the areas surrounding Taiwan's outlying islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, situated near China's southeastern coast.

Naval Colonel Li Xi, the spokesperson for the command, described the drills as a firm response to the actions of those seeking independence for Taiwan. He emphasized that the exercises serve as a stern warning against any outside interference or provocation.

Lai, the leader of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has begun his third consecutive term in power, which is a first in the party's history. Beijing strongly opposes Lai due to his support for Taiwan's independence and unique identity.

Beijing criticized Lai's inauguration speech, where he urged China to stop threatening Taiwan, and labeled Lai as "disgraceful."

Taiwan's Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that it had deployed sea, air, and ground forces in response to China's military drills. The ministry expressed regret over China's actions, which it described as irrational provocations that threaten regional peace and stability.

Reporting for CNN, Martha Zhou in Beijing and Eric Cheung in Taipei contributed to this article.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing military drills by China near Taiwan are a stark reminder of the escalating tensions between the two sides. China's aggressive posturing and its insistence on unifying Taiwan with the mainland, even by force, are deeply concerning. Taiwan, a vibrant democracy with its own distinct identity, deserves the right to self-determination. It is imperative for the international community to condemn China's threats and support Taiwan's sovereignty.

Moreover, these military exercises pose a significant threat to regional stability. The Taiwan Strait is a crucial waterway for global trade and military operations. Any military conflict in the area would have disastrous consequences for the entire region. It is essential for China to de-escalate the situation and engage in constructive dialogue with Taiwan to find a peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute. The well-being and security of the Taiwanese people, as well as the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, are at stake.