TAIPEI: Taiwan’s military mobilized its forces and expressed confidence in protecting the island following China’s initiation of two days of ‘punishment’ drills on Thursday (May 23).
The exercises, conducted in the Taiwan Strait and near clusters of islands controlled by Taiwan adjacent to the Chinese coast, come just three days after Lai Ching-te assumed office as Taiwan’s new president.
China, which views the democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory, condemned Lai’s inauguration speech, in which he called on China to cease its threats.
Despite Lai’s repeated offers for talks with China, Beijing has rebuffed these attempts. Lai maintains that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future and rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) announced that it had commenced joint military drills involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force in areas around Taiwan at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT).
The exercises are taking place in various locations, including the Taiwan Strait, the northern, southern, and eastern regions of Taiwan, and areas surrounding the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, according to a statement from the command.
Taiwan’s defense ministry denounced the drills, stating that it had deployed forces to areas around the island and expressed confidence in its ability to defend its territory.
“The launch of military exercises on this occasion highlights China’s militaristic mentality,” the ministry said.
However, there was no sign of alarm in Taiwan, where people are long accustomed to Chinese military activity.
China Releases Map of Drills Held in Areas Around Taiwan
Notably, Chinese state media published a map of the drill zones, which are located around Taiwan and the islands controlled by Taiwan near the Chinese coast.
A statement was also released detailing what have been termed ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan. Beijing stated that the two-day exercises from May 23 to May 24 were a response to ‘separatist acts’.
