China Stages Military Drills as Warning to Taiwan

China conducted extensive military exercises around Taiwan on Monday as a stern caution against Taiwan's push for independence. The drills, encompassing naval, air force, and missile units, were declared by China's Defense Ministry as a response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's resistance to recognizing Taiwan as being under the sovereignty of the People's Republic of China. This show of strength was interpreted as a significant warning to supporters of Taiwan independence, said Navy Senior Captain Li Xi, affirming Beijing's resolve to safeguard its "national sovereignty."

In reaction, the government of Taiwan denounced the exercises as provocative, asserting that its military forces remain vigilant and ready to respond if necessary. The island, once a Japanese colony, was unified with China after World War II before splitting in 1949. This divide occurred when Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists retreated to Taiwan following the Communist Party's rise to power in mainland China led by Mao Zedong.

President Lai, who assumed office in May, continues the Democratic Progressive Party's refusal to acknowledge Chinese claims over Taiwan. Beijing maintains a firm stance, frequently labeling Taiwan independence as a "dead end" and asserting that unification with the mainland is unavoidable. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)