China says launches military drills around Taiwan

China initiated a significant military action on Monday, deploying both planes and naval ships to form an encompassing boundary around Taiwan.

According to Beijing, these drills aimed to send a vehement and resolute message to ‘separatist’ groups residing on the island, which operates under its own governance.

On the same day, the China Coast Guard reported that four distinct groups executed patrol missions in the maritime zones around Taiwan, describing these operations as a substantive measure to manage and exert influence over Taiwan Island, aligning with the one-China doctrine.

Notably, China had previously orchestrated a massive military drill encircling Taiwan following the ascension of Lai, labeled by Beijing as a separatist, to his position in May. China perceives the independent island as a breakaway territory that is intended to be amalgamated with the mainland, by force if necessary.

In an earlier instance, China had organized an extensive military exercise enveloping Taiwan right after Lai, criticized by Beijing as a separatist, assumed office in May. From China’s viewpoint, the autonomous island is seen as a rebellious territory that should inevitably be reunified with the mainland, possibly through military enforcement if judged essential.

The Chinese move was immediately condemned by Taipei, with Lai’s office urging Beijing to refrain from further military provocations.

The president said in a Facebook post that China intends to “undermine regional peace and stability and continue to use force to coerce surrounding countries.” He added that such a stance does not align with the expectations of the international community.

Lai had convened a high-level national security meeting and instructed relevant units to respond to the drills, the office said.