In a show of force and a clear warning, China has initiated military drills around Taiwan. The Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command, responsible for the area surrounding Taiwan, released a statement on Saturday morning announcing joint naval and air combat readiness patrols. The exercises are intended to test the armed forces' ability to fight in real combat conditions and to enhance their actual combat capabilities. The drills will focus on subjects such as ship-aircraft coordination, seizing control of air and sea spaces, and overall combat readiness.

China's move comes just a day after Taiwan's Vice President William Lai returned to Taipei from a visit to the United States. Lai's trip caused outrage in Beijing, as the Chinese government views Taiwan as a breakaway territory and considers Lai a “troublemaker” colluding with Washington to promote separatism. The fact that Lai made stopovers in the US on his way back to Taiwan has further intensified the anger from Beijing.

Taiwan is an incredibly sensitive and emotive issue for China's ruling Communist Party and its President, Xi Jinping. The People's Republic of China has claimed Taiwan as its territory since 1949 when the Republic of China government fled to the island after being defeated by Mao Zedong's Communist forces in a civil war. China has consistently urged the US to refrain from engaging with Taiwanese leaders or allowing them into the country, viewing it as collusion between Taipei and Washington. Beijing has even threatened the use of force to gain control over the self-governed island and has ramped up military activity near Taiwan in recent years.

The tension between China and Taiwan has reached new heights with these military exercises. The drills are seen as a clear message to separatist forces on the island, warning against any attempts to challenge China's claim or seek further independence. The Chinese government has labeled these exercises as a "stern warning" to the collusion of Taiwan independence separatists with foreign elements and their provocations.

It is important to note that in 2005, China passed a law providing the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it attempts to secede or appears to be on the verge of doing so. This law further emphasizes China's unwavering stance on the Taiwan issue and its willingness to resort to force to maintain control.

As tensions continue to escalate between China and Taiwan, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential implications of a conflict between the two powers. The situation remains delicate, with both sides unwilling to back down, and the prospect of a peaceful resolution seeming increasingly uncertain.