China launches drills around Taiwan after inauguration of new president – video
This article is more than 2 months old
China has launched two days of military drills surrounding Taiwan as 'punishment' for what it called the 'separatist acts' of holding an election and inaugurating a new president.
The Taiwan president, Lai Ching-te, said he would continue to defend the values of freedom and democracy in the face of 'external challenges and threats'.
Beijing claims Taiwan is a province of China, and has vowed to annex it, by force if necessary. Taiwan’s government and people overwhelmingly reject the prospect of Chinese Communist party rule, and Taiwan’s leaders have vowed to increase deterrence measures and boost defences, while urging China to cease its threats and return to dialogue