China Launches Major Military Drills Around Taiwan After New Leader Takes Office

China has initiated a two-day military exercise surrounding Taiwan in response to the inauguration of the island's new leader, Lai Ching-te. The drills, named Joint Sword 2024A, began on May 23, 2024, and include the participation of China's army, navy, air force, and rocket force. These exercises, described by China as a “powerful punishment” for Taiwan's independence, involve sea and air combat patrols, battlefield control, and “joint precision attack” drills.

Imagery shared on social media by China's Eastern Theater Command shows Taiwan encircled by the drills. The Chinese government has emphasized that these exercises serve as a severe warning to both Taiwanese independence forces and external entities interfering in the region.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense condemned the exercises, stating that China's actions jeopardize regional peace and stability. The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation's safety without seeking conflict. As of Thursday afternoon, the ministry had not released specific details about Chinese military activity around the island.

This military escalation follows Lai Ching-te's inauguration as Taiwan's new president, where he pledged to continue the policies of his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen. Lai's call for China to cease its political and military intimidation and to share in the responsibility of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait has not deterred Beijing's aggressive stance.

Experts suggest that these exercises are intended to dissuade Taiwan from standing up to China's coercive tactics, mirroring Beijing's reaction to past interactions between Taiwanese leaders and U.S. officials. Similar drills were conducted when former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in recent years.