China testing ability to ‘seize power’ in second day of military drills around Taiwan
GuardianMay 21
PRC Military Continues 'Punishment' Drills Near Taiwan
Image copyright: Annabelle Chih/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Taiwan on Friday monitored dozens of Chinese warplanes and navy vessels off its coast during a second day of Beijing's large military exercises. PRC officials said these drills were a response to the inauguration this week of Lai Ching-te as the island's new president.
Lai's Democratic Progressive Party believes in Taiwan's status as separate from China, while the PRC claims Taiwan is part of its territory. In his inaugural speech, Lai said he'd keep Taiwan's democracy safe from the mainland.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Lai's rhetoric is unacceptable and it's crucial for China to conduct these drills to send a message to his pro-secession factions in Taiwan's government — and to outside forces who seek to support them — that Beijing will not sit idly by. These drills show China is willing to put its vast military power to work to do whatever it takes to deter Taiwan's rebellious inclinations.
Anti-China narrative
This was a predictable reaction by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Lai's inauguration speech. China's always flexing its muscles when it feels disrespected, but the Taiwanese people aren't afraid. And Xi has united all of Taiwan's political parties against these drills — with even those who are considered pro-China calling for restraint from Beijing. Taiwan doesn't scare easily.