China starts military drills around Taiwan days after new president takes office

BEIJING — China's military started joint drills surrounding Taiwan early Thursday that are set to last until Friday, just days after new Taiwan President Lai Ching-te took office and called on Beijing to cease its threats.

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said it had started joint military drills, involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force,in areas around Taiwan at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT).

The drills are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait, the north, south and east of Taiwan, as well as areas around the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin, the command said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from Taiwan's government.

The drills focus on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrols, precision strikes on key targets, and integrated operations inside and outside the island chain to test the "joint real combat capabilities" of the forces, China's military said.

"This is also a strong punishment for the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces and a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces," the command added.

China detests Lai, saying he is a "separatist", and it has denounced his inauguration speech. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi this week called Lai "disgraceful." — Reuters