China Begins Major Military Drills Around Taiwan

Beijing launched large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan, asserting its ability to seize control over the self-ruled island days after the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te. The exercises, codenamed "Joint Sword-2024A," involve naval vessels and military aircraft encircling Taiwan, with China vowing that the blood of "independence forces" on the island would flow.

The drills come after Lai's inauguration speech, which Beijing denounced as a "confession of independence." China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland. Spokesperson Li Xi stated that the two-day drills are testing China's "capability of joint seizure of power, joint strikes and control of key territories."

The United Nations called for avoiding escalation, while the United States, Taiwan's strongest ally and military backer, strongly urged China to act with restraint. Beijing accused the "separatist acts of 'Taiwan independence' forces" and warned that they would face "strong punishment."

Footage showed Chinese soldiers mobilizing and jets taking off as state media reported sailors warning their Taiwanese counterparts against "resisting reunification by force." President Lai vowed to "stand on the front line" to defend Taiwan without directly referring to the drills.

China further condemned Lai's inauguration speech, in which he hailed a "glorious" era for Taiwan's democracy. Beijing's foreign ministry warned that "Taiwan independence forces will be left with their heads broken and blood flowing" in its pursuit of "complete unification."

The drills are taking place in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, including areas around Taipei-administered islands.

Analysts suggest China could extend the war games or launch missiles near Taiwan. Taiwan's defense ministry reported Chinese military activity within 24 nautical miles of the main island.