China military surrounds Taiwan, begins ‘punishment drills’ to warn new president

China launched two days of “punishment drills” in protest of what it perceived as the separatist attitude of Taiwan’s newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te. The move by China’s military came after Lai’s inauguration speech on Monday, May 20. In the speech, Lai demanded China end its threats towards the island and asserted that neither Taiwan nor China are “subordinate to each other.”

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Those comments did not sit well with China’s government, which recognizes Taiwan as its national territory. However, Lai’s maintains that the people of Taiwan should be able to be independent.

In response, China showed its displeasure with Lai’s views by ramping up its threats toward Taiwan on Thursday, May 23. Beijing sent warships, planes and jets to perform combat drills around Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense counted 49 Chinese military aircraft, 15 navy vessels and 16 coast guard vessels surrounding the island.

Taiwan’s military quickly responded to China’s provocation, positioning jets and a missile system. Additionally, the military put ground forces on alert to be ready for any further escalation.

The prevailing theory by experts is that China wants to show off its ability to set up a blockade around Taiwan. One military expert said that these drills by China may just be a “signal,” adding that the real “punishment may be yet to come.”

China never ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control. However, Lai repeatedly offered to open dialogue with Beijing. China has refused that offer thus far.

Washington responded to China’s show of strength by issuing a warning to Beijing to refrain from any use of force against Taiwan.

“I cannot underscore enough how devastating a conflict in the Indo-Pacific Region would be,” Lt. Gen. Stephen Sklenka, the deputy commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said.

The United States is legally obligated to defend Taiwan against attack but is also balancing a delicate relationship with China.

Meanwhile, China performed other exercises intended to intimidate foreign adversaries and Taiwan in years past. China launched a series of mock attack drills following visits by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.