China Launches "Punishment" Drills Around Taiwan After Inauguration of New President

China has launched a second day of military drills surrounding Taiwan, with the Chinese Defense Ministry stating that the exercises are aimed at testing the country's ability to "seize power" and occupy key areas.

China has launched military drills encircling Taiwan, just days after the island's new president, Lai Ching-te, was sworn in. The exercises began on Thursday morning and will continue for two days, with Chinese naval vessels and warplanes entering waters and skies around Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to bring it under its rule. The drills are being conducted in areas around Taiwan's outlying islands, including Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, and are described by China as a "punishment" for "separatist acts". Taiwan's new president has asserted the island's sovereignty in defiance of Beijing, which has promised to politically link the island to the mainland by peaceful means if possible, but by force if necessary. China's People's Liberation Army launched the drills under the codename "Joint Sword-20" and stated that they are aimed at sending a "stern warning" to opponents. Taiwan scrambled fighter jets in response to China flying heavily armed warplanes.