China Conducts Military Exercise around Taiwan as a Show of Force

China has initiated a military exercise named Joint Combat-2024A around Taiwan following the inauguration of Lai Ching-te as Taiwan's leader. The drill involves navy and air force coordination to assess combat readiness and battlefield control, reflecting China's stance on Taiwan as an integral part of its territory.

Mainland China views Taiwan as a renegade province and has not ruled out the use of force to reclaim it, leading to tensions in the region. Taiwan's defense ministry condemned the exercise as provocative, while China sees it as a warning against perceived separatist actions and external interference, emphasizing its stance on reunification with Taiwan.