Why Did China Launch Surprise Military Drills Surrounding Taiwan?

China has begun two days of large-scale military exercises in the waters around Taiwan, which it describes as “punishment” for purported separatist acts seeking independence — just days after the island's inauguration of President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, who spoke of Taiwan as a “sovereign, independent nation.”

The Details: The “Sword 2024A joint exercise” involving the navy, army, air force, and rocket force is set to encompass an array of war stratagems including joint seizure of comprehensive control of the battlefield and precision strikes on key targets. Taiwan's Defense Ministry has condemned China's actions and mobilized sea, air, and ground forces in response. 

For Context: Beijing's claim to Taiwan has been a persistent and growing source of tension between the two countries. The recently-inaugurated President Lai has called on China to hold talks and to “stop threatening Taiwan,” per a BBC News (Center bias) translation. Media characterizations of Lai are mixed; the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (Center bias) said he was taking “a tougher line,” but the U.K.-based Economist (Lean Left bias) said he “aims to strengthen Taiwan but maintain the status quo.”

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was generally similar in U.S. media, sometimes sensationally describing a “Furious China” and a Taiwan “on alert.” This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.