China launched two days of military drills around Taiwan on Thursday, claiming it was a “strong punishment” for the island’s “separatist acts” following the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, who made a speech China condemned as a “confession of independence.”

Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to reclaim it by force if necessary, announced that the exercises involve military aircraft and naval vessels to test combat capabilities.

In response, Taiwan deployed its sea, air, and ground forces to “defend freedom,” and its Ministry of National Defence condemned China’s actions as irrational provocations undermining regional peace.

China has previously labeled Lai a “dangerous separatist,” Barron’s reported.

The drills, starting early Thursday, span the Taiwan Strait and areas north, south, and east of the island, serving as a stern warning against both Taiwanese separatism and foreign interference, according to Chinese military statements.

Chinese state media described the exercises, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024A,” as a disciplinary action against Taiwanese independence, with propaganda featuring aggressive imagery.

Written by B.C. Begley