China started a two-day military exercise around Taiwan

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International service: Today, Thursday, May 23, the Chinese army started its big two-day exercise around the island of Taiwan. This exercise took place only 3 days after Lai Ching-te was sworn in as the new president of Taiwan, whom the Chinese government calls a "separatist".

 

Although China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has repeatedly emphasized the need for Taipei to return to the mainland, Taiwan says that it is the people who should decide about their future.

 

The recent presidential election in Taiwan was held in the shadow of China's threats. In his inauguration speech on Monday, the new president of the country asked Beijing to stop threatening and emphasized that the two countries "are not subservient to each other". Chinese authorities, however, condemned these words and called them "shameful".

 

Calling the speech dangerous, Chinese state television described it as a "recognition of independence" and said these words undermine peace and stability across the strait. They further stated that China's countermeasures are "legitimate, legal and necessary".

 

According to Euronews, Mr. Lai offered to negotiate with China several times before, but Beijing rejected it each time for various reasons.