Democratic Progressive Party leader Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as Taiwan's president, prompting Beijing to launch large-scale "Joint Sword - 2024A" military exercises encircling the island within days.
In his inaugural speech, Lai called on Beijing to "respect the choices of the Taiwanese people" and resume cross-strait dialogue without preconditions, while reiterating that the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are "not subordinate to each other".
The People's Liberation Army deployed warships, fighter jets, and coast guard vessels around Taiwan, the Matsu and Kinmen islands, and Dongsha, in what Chinese state media described as a "punishment" for separatist forces.
The United States and other partners called the drills disproportionate, while emphasising that Washington's long-standing "one China" policy remains unchanged.