China's military began a new round of military drills near Taiwan on Monday in what it said was a warning against "separatist acts by Taiwan independence forces." Democratically-governed Taiwan, which China regards as its own territory, had been on alert for more war games since President Lai Ching-te's National Day speech last week. In his speech, Lai vowed to "resist annexation" of the island, and insisted Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other." Beijing condemned the speech after Lai said China had no right to represent Taiwan, even as he offered cooperation with Beijing. China held the Joint Sword-2024A exercises around Taiwan for two days in May, shortly after Lai took office.

Source: The Telegraph October 14, 2024 04:36 UTC