China has announced a two-day “law enforcement drills” around the Taiwan Strait and groups of Taiwan-controlled islands that sit next to the Chinese coast. In an official statement, the exercise is conducted to test the capabilities of joint patrols, rapid response and emergency handling.
In response to the patrolling, Taiwan has mobilized its forces to protect the island. Three days after Lai Ching-te became Taiwan’s new president, China started military exercises around Taiwan.
The drill is set as a “strong punishment” to Taiwan people after Lai’s inauguration speech on Monday offended China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, and called Lai “disgraceful”.
The Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) announced it began joint military drills at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT). These drills included the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, as well as to the north, south, and east of Taiwan. They also cover areas around Taiwan-controlled islands like Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.
Response on drill
Taiwan’s defence ministry condemned the drills, stating they had deployed forces around the island and were confident in their ability to protect their territory. The ministry said the exercises do not help peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and show China’s aggressive mindset, as reported by Reuters.
A senior Taiwan official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that Taiwan had expected these drills and understands China’s military actions well. Before Lai’s inauguration, Taiwanese officials were already watching for Chinese military movements.
The drills focus on sea-air combat readiness, precision strikes on key targets, and integrated operations inside and outside the island chain. China’s military said these exercises were to test their combat abilities and serve as a punishment for Taiwan’s independence efforts and a warning to external forces.
Chinese state media shared a map showing five drill zones around Taiwan and nearby islands. Despite the drills, there was no panic in Taiwan, where people are used to Chinese military activities. The stock market index was down just 0.3% on Thursday morning.