China launches its ‘Hunger Games’ on Taiwan

China launched “punishment” drills around Taiwan on Thursday, citing a response to “separatist acts” and denouncing newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te.

The exercises involved heavily armed warplanes and mock attacks, as state media harshly criticized Lai, whom Beijing views as a “separatist.”

These military drills, taking place in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan-controlled islands near the Chinese coast, were initiated just three days after Lai took office.

In his inauguration speech on Monday, Lai called on China to cease its threats, asserting that the two sides of the strait are “not subordinate to each other.” This speech prompted a strong reaction from Beijing, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi labeling Lai as “disgraceful” on Tuesday.

Lai has consistently offered to engage in talks with China, but his overtures have been rejected. He maintains that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future, rejecting Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over the island.

The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) announced the start of joint military drills at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT), involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force.

These drills are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait, and in the north, south, and east of Taiwan, as well as around the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.

Chinese state media reported that dozens of fighter jets carrying live missiles and warships conducted mock strikes on high-value military targets. The drills, named “Joint Sword – 2024A,” are set to last for two days. The “A” designation suggests the possibility of follow-up exercises.

Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned the drills, stating that it had dispatched forces to monitor the situation and that its air defenses and land-based missile forces were tracking targets. The ministry expressed confidence in its ability to protect Taiwan’s territory.