China tests Taiwan’s independence on day two of military drills

Chinese military drills aim to quash Taiwan’s independence and deter other countries from intervening, according to a Friday statement by a spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense. The drills are lawful and necessary to crack down on the arrogance of Taiwan’s independence, said the spokesman, Sr. Col. Wu Qian. China’s navy and airforce have been practicing combat readiness, precision strikes, and comprehensive battlefield control off Taiwan’s coast. China will continue deploying countermeasures against Taiwanese independence until reunification with the motherland, Wu told state media. State media previously referred to the drills as “punishment” for inaugurating Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te.

What are other international powers saying? The UN urges those involved to keep from escalating tensions in the strait, said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report for more details about the Chinese military drills.