China launched new military drills near Taiwan as a warning against Taiwan’s independence efforts, following Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent speech rejecting China’s claim to represent Taiwan, Reuters reports.
China’s Eastern Theatre Command announced that the “Joint Sword-2024B” drills involve air and naval operations in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas, although no live-fire exercises or missile launches were reported. China’s coast guard also entered waters near Taiwan’s Matsu islands for the first time and the Liaoning aircraft carrier was confirmed to be operating east of Taiwan.
Beijing also sanctioned Taiwanese tech tycoon Robert Tsao and a lawmaker for alleged separatist activities.
Taiwan condemned the drills, calling them provocations that threaten regional peace, while the US urged China to act with restraint. Despite the military activities, Taiwan’s stock market remained stable, and public alarm was minimal.
