China had earlier called Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, a “dangerous separatist,” therefore the two-day tests were organized as a form of punishment.
Beijing is furious with President Lai because of remarks he made earlier in his career endorsing independence.
The president’s claim that China had to “face up to the fact that the Republic of Taiwan exists” during his inauguration speech earlier this week infuriated Beijing, despite the fact that he has since become more cautious when making such claims.
The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command stated that the goal of the “Joint Sword – 2024A” drills was to “test the ability to jointly seize power.
