Categories: World

China launches massive military drills around Taiwan as ‘punishment’ for electing new president

close Video

China’s foreign ministry blasts Taiwan inauguration, Philippines standoff in South China Sea

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, asserted China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and the South China Sea following Taiwan’s presidential inauguration. (Credit: Associated Press)

The Chinese military has begun conducting massive military drills encircling Taiwan in “punishment” for the self-governing island’s election of a new president this week.

The two days of drills began Thursday, and Taiwan responded by scrambling jets and placing its army and navy on high alert. China now makes common use of military drills to intimidate and harass Taiwan, which it claims is its sovereign territory.

The drills “serve as a strong punishment for the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces,” a Chinese military spokesman told state media, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The drills come days after the inauguration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, a candidate who strongly supports Taiwanese independence but also has encouraged talks with Beijing and the prevention of foreign military intervention, namely by the U.S.

CHINA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY BLASTS TAIWAN INAUGURATION, PHILIPPINES STANDOFF IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

The Chinese military has begun conducting massive military drills encircling Taiwan in “punishment” for the self-governing island’s election of a new president this week.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned the drills in a statement Thursday morning, calling it “irrational provocation” on the part of China.

CHINA SANCTIONS FORMER REPUBLICAN REP MIKE GALLAGHER AFTER TAIWAN PRESIDENT’S INAUGURATION

“This pretext for conducting military exercises not only does not contribute to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but also shows its hegemonic nature at heart,” the ministry’s statement said.

Taiwan has condemned China’s new military drills as an “irrational provocation.”

In his inauguration address on Monday, Lai called for Beijing to cease its military intimidation and pledged to “neither yield nor provoke” the mainland Communist Party leadership.

“Facing external challenges and threats, we will continue to maintain the values of freedom and democracy,” Lai said during a Thursday visit to a marine military base.

LAWMAKERS BRAWL AS TAIWAN’S PARLIAMENT DESCENDS INTO CHAOS

China’s Foreign Ministry warned that Taiwan independence was a “dead-end” on the day of the presidential inauguration.

“No matter under what name or excuse, pushing for Taiwan independence is doomed to fail,” the ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin argued at a daily news briefing when asked about Lai’s inauguration.

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s president, during his inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Taipei, Taiwan, on Monday Lai urged China to stop its intimidation of the democratic island.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Mainland China has long claimed Taiwan as part of its territory. The island first split from Beijing in 1949, when pro-democracy forces fled there after losing a civil war to the Chinese Communist Party.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

Share

Recent Posts

Azerbaijan Airlines plane headed to Russia crashes hundreds of miles off course, dozens feared dead

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for December 25 Fox News Flash top headlines…

2 hours ago

Marjorie Taylor Greene wants death penalty for migrant who allegedly set woman on fire on subway: ‘Finish him’

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., is calling for the swift trial, conviction, and execution of…

2 hours ago

Former defense official makes earth-shattering UFO revelation as unexplained drones leave millions on edge

close Video Drone expert sounds alarm on mystery drone sightings: There's a ‘larger’ issue here…

6 hours ago

How presidents have spent their Christmases in office: From Hawaii to Mar-a-Lago

Presidents have historically developed their own Christmas traditions as they make their unique marks on…

6 hours ago

Ugly sweaters, chicken soup, treasure hunts: Lawmakers share their favorite Christmas traditions

Christmas Day is a time for Americans and others across the world who celebrate the…

6 hours ago

Costly carol: ’12 Days of Christmas’ gifting sees an overall increase in 2024

The traditional English carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" has long been a favorite during…

6 hours ago