Tension is high in Asia as China conducts major military drills across the Taiwan Strait, following comments made by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te last week.
China’s military says the drills, called Joint Sword 2024-B, involve the army, navy and rocket forces, and will be carried out in the Taiwan Strait, as well as north, south and east of the self-governed island.
A spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theatre Command said the drills will close in on the island, focusing on a blockade and control of key ports and areas.
Taiwan has called the action “irrational and provocative”.
China says it is a “stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces”.
Last week, Taiwan celebrated its national day. During the events President Lai said China and Taiwan are not “subordinate to each other” and China has “no right to represent Taiwan”.
Lai also said: “I will uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the speech by Taiwan’s president severed the historical connection between the two sides of the strait.
“It again exposed his stubborn stand of Taiwan independence and sinister intention of increasing tension in the Taiwan Strait to seek political gain.”
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In May, China conducted two days of military drills around the island after Lai China-te’s inauguration. The drills were called Joint Sword 2024-A.
China’s President Xi Jinping has previously pledged “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, but has not ruled out using force if necessary.
Taiwan has deployed its own forces in response to China’s latest round of drills.
China has not announced how long its military action will continue for.