China’s military continued its war drills around on Friday, testing their ability to “seize power” and control key areas, with Chinese naval vessels and military aircraft .
These drills were launched on Thursday in response to Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te’s recent inauguration.
sees the self-ruled island as a part of its territory, and has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.
What did Beijing say about the drills?
, named “Joint Sword-2024A,” began on Thursday, three days after Lai took office.
Taking place in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan-controlled islands near China’s coast, the drills aim to , launch joint attacks, and occupy key areas,” according to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Li Xi.
According to Beijing, the drills are a “strong punishment for the forces.” China has denounced Lai as a “dangerous separatist.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin promised dire consequences for those on the island who seek independence.
In China, the Xinhua news agency and state-run People’s Daily published editorials on Friday praising the drills, condemning Lai’s “treacherous behavior,” and promising a “severe blow.”
How did Taiwan react?
Taiwan’s government condemned the drills, and mobilized its armed forces to monitor the situation.
on Thursday that he would “stand on the front line” to defend Taiwan. Lai did not directly mention the ongoing Chinese drills.
In his inauguration address on Monday, as he called on China to end its military intimidation of Taiwan.
Experts say the that Chinese forces could quickly impose a blockade on Taiwan to pressure the self-ruled island into submission.
Meanwhile, the United Nations urged all parties to avoid escalation, while the United States, a Taiwan ally, “strongly” called on China to exercise restraint.
ss/sri (Reuters, AFP)
The post China says military drills around Taiwan ‘test ability to seize power’ appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
