‘This is also a severe punishment’: China starts military exercises near Taiwan

Three days after the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, China has commenced military exercises in immediate proximity to the island. The drills will last for two days.

Just a few days after Lai Ching-te took office as Taiwan's new president, China launched military exercises near the island, which it considers a rebellious province. This was announced on May 23 by the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China.

Earlier, Chinese authorities declared that the island of Taiwan is an 'inseparable part of China's territory, and Taiwan's affairs are part of China's internal affairs.'

The statement clarified that the military exercises, which began on the morning of May 23, involve Chinese ground forces, naval fleets, air forces, and missile forces. The drills will take place in the Taiwan Strait, surrounding Taiwan from the north, south, and east, as well as near the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dunyin, continuing until the evening of May 24.

'This is also a severe punishment for the separatist activities of Taiwan's independence supporters and a serious warning against foreign intervention and provocations,' Reuters quoted a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army.