China carried out extensive military exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday, serving as a strong warning to the self-governed democratic island against separatism.

Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, stated that the drills, involving air, sea, and rocket forces, were a severe warning and a forceful containment against Taiwan independence.

China’s Coast Guard stated that their exercises were a “law enforcement patrol” around Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense tracked 19 Chinese navy vessels in the area, including the Shandong aircraft carrier, which entered Taiwan’s defense zone.

In response, Taiwan deployed warships and activated its missile systems.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under control, while most Taiwanese favor their de facto independence.

The exercises were aimed at warning Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, whom China labels a “separatist.”

In a video released on Chinese social media, Lai was depicted as a green cartoon bug with the words: “Parasite courting ultimate destruction.”

Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated that China’s actions showed their provocative character and insisted that such rhetoric was not conducive to peace.

Last month, Lai accused Beijing of trying to “absorb” Taiwan and undermine the island’s independence.

China dismissed Lai’s remarks, saying that nothing could change the inevitable event of the reunification of Taiwan with the motherland.

The latest drills come after months of rising tensions, with China regularly sending military planes and ships toward Taiwan.

Just two weeks ago, Beijing sent a large number of drones and ships toward the island in a large-scale exercise in mid-March.

Taiwan’s government condemned the drills, asserting its right to self-defense.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/china-holds-large-scale-military-drills-around-taiwan/a-72102540?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf