China has put Taiwan on notice with its deadly military drills. 49 Chinese aircraft were detected since Beijing launched its two-day military exercises that it called 'punishment drills' after self-ruled Taiwan's new leader vowed to defend the island's democracy.

China holds military drills around Taiwan, drills come after Taiwan's Presidential Polls

The exercise in Taiwanese waters and air space has pushed the self-ruled island to the edge. The United Nations has also urged restraint from all sides to avoid tensions in the region.

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Taiwan's military mobilised its forces and said that it was confident that it could protect the island and this comes after China started two days of what they called 'punishment drills' around Taiwan.

China begins 'punishment drills' around Taiwan, latter condemns military drills

China has put Taiwan on notice with its deadly military drills. 49 Chinese aircraft were detected since Beijing launched its two-day military exercises that it called 'punishment drills' after self-ruled Taiwan's new leader vowed to defend the island's democracy. Mohammed Saleh speaks to Former Army Commander Lt Gen Raj Shukla for more.

China's 'punishment military drills' to crush Taiwan's autonomy

Taiwan scrambled jets and put missile, naval and land units on alert over Chinese military exercises. China's military said the two-day exercises around Taiwan were punishment for separatist forces seeking independence. A senior US General says Chinese military drills in the straits of Taiwan in 2023 practised manoeuvres key to an invasion of the island, although an actual attack was not imminent or inevitable.

China surrounds Taiwan with 'punishment drills'

The Chinese military has surrounded Taiwan. Beijing is carrying out what it is calling 'Punishment' drills. What is China punishing Taiwan for? Or is it the U.S. the drills are aimed at? #Gravitas brings you the real story behind the war games.

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Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23).

The exercises, conducted in the Taiwan Strait and near clusters of islands controlled by Taiwan adjacent to the Chinese coast, comes after three days of Lai Ching-te&nbsp;taking&nbsp;office as Taiwan's new president.

Lai is regarded by Beijing as a "separatist."

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China, which sees democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory,&nbsp;condemned Lai's inauguration speech in which he called on China to stop its threats.

Although, Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated that it had started joint military drills, involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in areas around Taiwan at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT).

The exercises are taking place in various locations, including the Taiwan Strait, the northern, southern, and eastern regions of Taiwan, and areas surrounding the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, according to a statement from the command.

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Taiwan's defense ministry denounced the drills, stating that it had deployed forces to areas around the island and expressed confidence in its ability to defend its territory.

"The launch of military exercises on this occasion highlights China's militaristic mentality," the ministry said.

However, there was no sign of alarm in Taiwan, where people are long used to Chinese military activity.

<h2>China releases map of drills held in areas around Taiwan</h2>

Notably, Chinese state media published a map of the drills zones, in areas all around Taiwan and the islands Taiwan controls near the Chinese coast.

A statement was also published with details of what has been dubbed 'punishment' drills around Taiwan. Beijing said the two-day exercises from May 23 to May 24 were a response to 'separatist acts'.

<img alt="china releases map" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="523fedb5-42d4-4948-bba5-94b9524ffc09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2851%29_1.png" />

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23).

Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23). The exercises, conducted in the Taiwan Strait and near clusters of islands controlled by Taiwan adjacent to the Chinese coast, comes after three days of Lai Ching-te taking office as Taiwan's new president. Lai is regarded by Beijing as a "separatist." Also read: Nikki Haley says she will vote for Donald Trump in US presidential elections China, which sees democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, condemned Lai's inauguration speech in which he called on China to stop its threats. Although, Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated that it had started joint military drills, involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in areas around Taiwan at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT). The exercises are taking place in various locations, including the Taiwan Strait, the northern, southern, and eastern regions of Taiwan, and areas surrounding the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, according to a statement from the command. Also read: UK PM Rishi Sunak springs a surprise, announces general elections on July 4 Taiwan's defense ministry denounced the drills, stating that it had deployed forces to areas around the island and expressed confidence in its ability to defend its territory. "The launch of military exercises on this occasion highlights China's militaristic mentality," the ministry said. However, there was no sign of alarm in Taiwan, where people are long used to Chinese military activity. China releases map of drills held in areas around Taiwan Notably, Chinese state media published a map of the drills zones, in areas all around Taiwan and the islands Taiwan controls near the Chinese coast. A statement was also published with details of what has been dubbed 'punishment' drills around Taiwan. Beijing said the two-day exercises from May 23 to May 24 were a response to 'separatist acts'. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan sends out forces around island after China starts 'punishment' drills

Keeping focus on China's territorial ambitions and intention to unify Taiwan and the mainland is leveraging decades of sustained military modernisation.

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The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army said it had started joint military drills. The drills involve the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in areas around Taiwan. Watch this video for all details.

China-Taiwan tensions: Why has China announced 'punishment' drills around Taiwan?

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Ching-te as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the Democratic Progressive Party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the World that reunification is inevitable. Watch in for more details!

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A slew of Taiwanese movies at the Cannes Film Festival offer the island an increasingly rare chance to tell its stories on the global stage. These days few countries even have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-ruled island that is claimed by Beijing.&nbsp;

Introducing his neo-noir thriller Locust&nbsp;at the world-famous festival, artist and director KEFF said he was "not interested in debating whether or not Taiwan should be a country."

"But we've gotten to a point where to even reflect the reality of Taiwan is to be provocative. And I don't agree with that," he told AFP.

Locust&nbsp;centres on Zhong-Han, a restaurant worker who runs with a violent gang by night, and is mute -- a striking metaphor for his home island.

"Zhong-Han represents a generation that is unable to speak for itself, but also a place, Taiwan, that is unable to speak for itself," the director said.&nbsp;

Actor Liu Wei-chen was forbidden to speak for weeks before shooting began, to prepare for the role.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Mongrel, which premiered Monday, explores the lives of undocumented workers, including a caregiver living in the mountains of Taiwan. Its producer, Lynn Chen, told The Hollywood Reporter that Cannes provides an opportunity to share a "unique and compelling cinematic experience."

- 'Not just a headline' -

KEFF, who has lived much of his life in the United States, set out to create his portrait of Taiwanese youth soon after moving back to the island in 2019.

He observed a surprising lack of interest from younger generations in Beijing's crackdown on nearby Hong Kong -- an encroachment that many fear could preface a full-scale invasion of Taiwan.

Beijing has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

The film also explores the lack of interest in international affairs among young Taiwanese.

KEFF said he wanted to tell human stories from an island too often viewed by the rest of the world merely as a potential flashpoint for World War Three, or a source of top-end semiconductors for smartphones.

"We're not just a headline in the news," said KEFF.

- 'Brave' -

The island's government has tried in recent years to make up for its lack of diplomatic clout by building up soft power through film.

Taiwanese funding -- including government-backed initiatives -- is behind two other films: The Shameless, set in India; and Rendez-vous avec Pol Pot, based in Cambodia.

Traversing the Mist&nbsp;offers audiences an immersive and explicit look inside a Taiwanese gay sauna.

"We're not provocateurs. But we have a history of being brave. And so I feel that history should continue," said KEFF.

"Taiwanese people must continue to advocate for themselves. I'm not saying as a political entity, but as human beings."

A slew of Taiwanese movies at the Cannes Film Festival offer the island an increasingly rare chance to tell its stories on the global stage. These days few countries even have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-ruled island that is claimed by Beijing.

A slew of Taiwanese movies at the Cannes Film Festival offer the island an increasingly rare chance to tell its stories on the global stage. These days few countries even have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-ruled island that is claimed by Beijing. Introducing his neo-noir thriller Locust at the world-famous festival, artist and director KEFF said he was "not interested in debating whether or not Taiwan should be a country." "But we've gotten to a point where to even reflect the reality of Taiwan is to be provocative. And I don't agree with that," he told AFP. Locust centres on Zhong-Han, a restaurant worker who runs with a violent gang by night, and is mute -- a striking metaphor for his home island. "Zhong-Han represents a generation that is unable to speak for itself, but also a place, Taiwan, that is unable to speak for itself," the director said. Actor Liu Wei-chen was forbidden to speak for weeks before shooting began, to prepare for the role. Meanwhile, Mongrel, which premiered Monday, explores the lives of undocumented workers, including a caregiver living in the mountains of Taiwan. Its producer, Lynn Chen, told The Hollywood Reporter that Cannes provides an opportunity to share a "unique and compelling cinematic experience." - 'Not just a headline' - KEFF, who has lived much of his life in the United States, set out to create his portrait of Taiwanese youth soon after moving back to the island in 2019. He observed a surprising lack of interest from younger generations in Beijing's crackdown on nearby Hong Kong -- an encroachment that many fear could preface a full-scale invasion of Taiwan. Beijing has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. The film also explores the lack of interest in international affairs among young Taiwanese. KEFF said he wanted to tell human stories from an island too often viewed by the rest of the world merely as a potential flashpoint for World War Three, or a source of top-end semiconductors for smartphones. "We're not just a headline in the news," said KEFF. - 'Brave' - The island's government has tried in recent years to make up for its lack of diplomatic clout by building up soft power through film. Taiwanese funding -- including government-backed initiatives -- is behind two other films: The Shameless, set in India; and Rendez-vous avec Pol Pot, based in Cambodia. Traversing the Mist offers audiences an immersive and explicit look inside a Taiwanese gay sauna. "We're not provocateurs. But we have a history of being brave. And so I feel that history should continue," said KEFF. "Taiwanese people must continue to advocate for themselves. I'm not saying as a political entity, but as human beings."

Muted on world stage, Taiwan speaks up at Cannes

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Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Chingte as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the democratic progressive party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the world that reunification is inevitable.

Lai Ching-te inaugurated as Taiwan's new president

Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) has been sworn in as Taiwan's new president.&nbsp;Thousands of people congregated in front of Taipei's Presidential Office Building to witness the inauguration ceremony.&nbsp;After taking office, Lai, who is seen as a moderate figure, called on China to 'cease political and military intimidation'. Vice President Hsia Bi-khim also took an oath in front of Sun Yat-Sen portrait, the founding father of the Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan has been known officially.&nbsp;

Lai maintained that he is committed to Taiwan's de facto independence. During the ceremony, outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen bid farewell. Notably, Tsai concluded her tenure after two terms spanning eight years.

Lai, in his inaugural speech, thanked the people of the country "for refusing to be swayed by external forces and resolutely defending democracy" and said that we "must raise our defence awareness."&nbsp;

He also exuded confidence in his leadership saying that a "glorious era of Taiwan's democracy has arrived" and said that Taiwan refuses "to be swayed by external forces."&nbsp;

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Representatives from 29 countries attended the event. Among the notable attendees were former United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite.

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The festivities saw a military parade and traditional drum and dance performances.&nbsp;

William Lai Ching-te, representing the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emerged victorious in Taiwan's presidential election in&nbsp;January this year.&nbsp;China swiftly rejected the outcome and asserted that the vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification."

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<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/collective-prayers-in-tehran-for-raisi-deeply-concerned-pm-modi-on-raisis-crash-723236/embed" width="560"></iframe>

According to Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday (May 20), six Chinese aircraft breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The ministry also indicated that at least one of the aircraft approached within 43 nautical miles (80 km) of the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung.&nbsp;

<h2>US congratulates Lai</h2>

The United States congratulated Lai Ching-te and the Taiwan people "for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system." "The partnership between the American people and the Taiwan people, rooted in democratic values, continues to broaden and deepen across trade, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties," US State Secretary Antony Blinken said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) has been sworn in as Taiwan's new president. Thousands of people congregated in front of Taipei's Presidential Office Building to witness the inauguration ceremony.

Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) has been sworn in as Taiwan's new president. Thousands of people congregated in front of Taipei's Presidential Office Building to witness the inauguration ceremony. After taking office, Lai, who is seen as a moderate figure, called on China to 'cease political and military intimidation'. Vice President Hsia Bi-khim also took an oath in front of Sun Yat-Sen portrait, the founding father of the Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan has been known officially. Lai maintained that he is committed to Taiwan's de facto independence. During the ceremony, outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen bid farewell. Notably, Tsai concluded her tenure after two terms spanning eight years. Lai, in his inaugural speech, thanked the people of the country "for refusing to be swayed by external forces and resolutely defending democracy" and said that we "must raise our defence awareness." He also exuded confidence in his leadership saying that a "glorious era of Taiwan's democracy has arrived" and said that Taiwan refuses "to be swayed by external forces." Also Read | China sanctions US defence companies selling arms to Taiwan Representatives from 29 countries attended the event. Among the notable attendees were former United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite. Also Read | Iran president Raisi helicopter crash: No sign of life, says state media The festivities saw a military parade and traditional drum and dance performances. William Lai Ching-te, representing the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emerged victorious in Taiwan's presidential election in January this year. China swiftly rejected the outcome and asserted that the vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification." Watch | Collective prayers in Tehran for Raisi | Deeply concerned: PM Modi on Raisi's crash According to Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday (May 20), six Chinese aircraft breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The ministry also indicated that at least one of the aircraft approached within 43 nautical miles (80 km) of the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung. US congratulates Lai The United States congratulated Lai Ching-te and the Taiwan people "for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system." "The partnership between the American people and the Taiwan people, rooted in democratic values, continues to broaden and deepen across trade, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties," US State Secretary Antony Blinken said. (With inputs from agencies)

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