Taiwan condemns China military drills as ’irrational provocations’ | BBC News

Taiwan’s defence ministry has condemned China’s military exercises around the self-ruled island as “irrational provocations“. The drills come just three days after the inauguration of Taiwanese president William Lai, whom Beijing has labelled as a “separatist“ and a “troublemaker“. Beijing, which has long claimed Taiwan, is performing the drills all around the main island, and the Taipei-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin. A spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has called them a “strong punishment“ for “separatist acts“. Subscribe here: For more news, analysis and features visit: #Taiwan #China #BBCNews