Only three days after William Lai took the oath of office as Taiwan’s new leader, China has begun military exercises around the country.
A spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army ( PLA ) has called the drills a” strong punishment” for” separatist acts”.
The training, which started earlier Thursday, are happening all around the main beach, including the Taiwan Strait to its east, and around the Japanese archipelago of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin.
The PLA stated that their efforts will be focused on joint sea-air combat readiness patrols, precise strikes on important targets, and coordinated activities both inside and outside the island to assess the” joint real combat skills” of its causes.
Beijing has labelled Mr Lai a” separatist” and a” troublemaker” over remarks he made in the past supporting Taiwanese democracy. Taiwan’s defence ministry condemned Beijing’s steps, and said they dispatched troops in answer.