China's military surrounds Taiwan as 'punishment'
The Hindu
China conducts military drills around Taiwan to intimidate after new President vows to defend democracy, escalating tensions.
China on May 23 encircled Taiwan with naval vessels and military aircraft in war games aimed at punishing the self-ruled island after its new President vowed to defend democracy.
The two days of drills are part of an escalating campaign of intimidation by China that has seen it carry out a series of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan in recent years.
The latest show of force is a "strong punishment for the separatist acts of 'Taiwan independence' forces," China's military said as the drills got underway.
China— governed by the Communist Party since 1949— claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its rule, by force if necessary.
May 23 and May 24 drills involve aircraft and ships surrounding the island to test their combat capabilities, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) said.
Taiwan responded by deploying air, ground and sea forces, with the island's defence ministry vowing to "defend freedom".
Taiwan's presidential spokeswoman also condemned China's "provocative military behaviour".
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