China’s military drills around Taiwan continue on Friday. China’s navy and air force participated in the exercise. China’s military began exercises with navy ships and military aircraft around Taiwan on Thursday morning.
China says ‘separatist’ activities are underway in Taiwan in the name of independence. Therefore, military exercises are being conducted to ‘punish’ Taiwan. The ability to seize power and take control of key areas is being tested in the exercise.
Chinese military spokesman Li Xi said Taiwan is carrying out separatist activities in the name of independence. So this exercise is being conducted as a severe punishment. Strong warnings are also issued against interference and provocation by external forces.
Taiwan’s newly elected President Lai Ching was sworn in last Monday. He then said that China should stop showing military and political power. Immediately after this comment, China started military exercises around Taiwan.
Taiwan said 12 Chinese warships took part in the exercise. Chinese planes are circling the sky.
China’s statement
The spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Taiwan’s freedom fighters will face dire consequences.
Chinese news agency Xinhua and the state-run People’s Daily praised the exercise, saying Lai was behaving like a traitor.
China says Lai is a dangerous separatist. Taiwan separatists will be severely punished.
Taiwan’s response
Taiwan strongly condemned the exercise. They have alerted the army and said they are monitoring the situation.
President Lai said that if Taiwan needs to be defended, he will stand in the first line.
In a speech after becoming president on Monday, Lai said Taiwan’s democracy must be protected. In this speech, he urged China to stop showing military power.
Experts believe that China may impose a total ban on Taiwan to put pressure on them.