Taiwan on alert: President Lai issues defense pledge amid China drills
A series of images captured on May 23 encapsulates the heightened tensions between China and Taiwan as China conducts naval and aerial war games around the island. China criticises Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, prompting warnings against "Taiwan independence forces". Taiwan responds by deploying its armed forces to protect sovereignty. President Lai reaffirms commitment to defend Taiwan.
China initiated military exercises dubbed as 'Joint Sword-2024A', encircling Taiwan with both warplanes and navy ships. The Chinese authorities vowed severe consequences for separatist elements on the island. In Beijing on the same day, an outdoor screen displayed news coverage of China's military manoeuvres around Taiwan. (AFP Photo)
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A television set broadcasting news about China's military drills around Taiwan is visible in a shop located in Lieyu township in Kinmen. (AFP Photo)
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In Lieyu township, Kinmen, a customer is seen watching news coverage of China's drills around Taiwan. (AFP Photo)
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The drills occurred shortly after Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan's new president, with China denouncing his inauguration speech as a "confession of independence". (AFP Photo)
Taiwan President Lai vowed to "stand on the front line" to defend Taiwan against external challenges and threats, emphasising the values of freedom and democracy. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Sun Li-fang reacts during a presser at the Ministry of National Defence in Taipei on May 23, 2023. (AFP Photo)
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Taipei's defence ministry said it had detected 49 Chinese aircraft since Beijing launched two-day military drills after self-ruled Taiwan's new leader vowed to defend the island's democracy. (AFP Photo)
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Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and has vowed to reunify it with the mainland, using force if necessary. Similar military exercises occurred in August last year and in 2022 following visits by Taiwanese officials to the United States, indicating China's continued pressure on Taiwan. In the Pic Taiwan Coast Guard shows a member of the Taiwanese armed forces monitoring a Chinese military ship (R) as it sails a few miles north of Pengjia Island, off the coast of northern Taiwan. (AFP Photo)
