China testing ability to ‘seize power’ in second day of military drills around Taiwan
GuardianMAY 2024
PRC Military Continues 'Punishment' Drills Near Taiwan
Image copyright: Annabelle Chih/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
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.