5 months ago
30
China has concluded expansive military exercises around Taiwan, held in the wake of
Lai Ching-te
's inauguration as the island's president. The
Chinese army
has "successfully completed all the missions" directed against Taiwan, state-run military news channel CCTV reported on Saturday. A total of 111 Chinese aircraft and dozens of naval vessels had surrounded the self-ruled island over the past two days, according to Taiwan's defense ministry.
The Chinese military's latest drills were the biggest in a year around the island.
The latest drills started a "new era of normalized practices," Zhang Chi, associate professor of the China People's Liberation Army National Defense University, said in an interview with CCTV. "The PLA will stake a step forward each time the
Taiwanese separatists
make a provocative act," Zhang said.
Beiijng has signalled its displeasure with Taipei's new government in recent days, accusing Lai of seeking independence and destabilizing the region.
"China's recent unilateral military provocations have not only undermined the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but also openly provoked the international order, and aroused serious concern and condemnation from the international community," Taiwan presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said in a statement Saturday. Taipei calls on China to "shoulder global responsibility with Taiwan and work to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and the region," she said.
The drills add to the complications Lai faces, among them a divisive campaign by rival parliamentarians to rein in the president's powers. The opposition is pushing through changes to the law that would expand lawmakers' ability to investigate the government, bringing thousands of people on to the street in protest.
