China Launches Military Drills Encircling Taiwan as ‘Strong Punishment’

China launched two-day military drills encircling Taiwan with aircraft and navy vessels on May 23 that Beijing described as “strong punishment” for the island’s “separatist acts.” These exercises follow the inauguration of Taiwan’s new President, Lai Ching-te, who vowed to uphold democracy and defend the island’s sovereignty. 

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Military Drills Encircling Taiwan – PLA’s Show of Force to Deter Independence Movements

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) stated that these manoeuvres aim to demonstrate combat readiness and serve as a deterrent against Taiwan’s independence movements. China has recently carried out a number of significant military actions in and around Taiwan, and this most recent escalation is just one more.

Taiwan’s defence ministry promised to defend the island’s freedom as the island responded by deploying its air, ground, and maritime assets. Presidential spokespersons condemned China’s actions as provocative, underscoring the determination to maintain Taiwan’s democratic values. 

Since Taiwan is a province that ought to break away from China, China has not ruled out using force to bring the two islands back together. The drills, named “Joint Sword-2024A,” began early in the morning and focused on key strategic areas around the island. Chinese state media framed these exercises as a direct message against Taiwanese separatism. 

A Chinese military expert highlighted the potential for these drills to rehearse an economic blockade, targeting critical ports and severing Taiwan’s trade and energy supply lines. The exercises mark a continuation of Beijing’s strategy to pressure Taiwan amid increasing international concern over regional stability.