The Chinese military launched large-scale joint military exercises in the waters around Taiwan on the 23rd. This training is interpreted as a response to the inauguration speech of Taiwan’s newly elected President Tsai Ing-wen, as well as a message of pressure and warning against Taiwanese independence forces.

The Chinese government strongly protested Tsai's statement in her inauguration speech that "Taiwan is not part of China." A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "Taiwanese independence forces will face a tragic fate in the face of the historical trend of China's complete reunification," and strongly condemned the Tsai government for denying the "one-China" principle.

China's Eastern Theater Command announced that it would conduct the military exercises in a wide range of waters, including north, south, and east of Taiwan's main island, as well as around the nearby Kinmen and Matsu islands. Dozens of fighter jets conducted combat reconnaissance activities around Taiwan's main island and islands, and warships, including destroyers and frigates, conducted mock target strike exercises in conjunction with each other.

At the same time, the China Coast Guard also conducted "law enforcement exercises" in the waters near Taiwan. China often conducts joint exercises with the military, deploying armed police forces to the Coast Guard. This time, it is reported that 31 warships and coast guard vessels, 42 fighter jets and early warning aircraft were deployed.

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense issued a statement strongly protesting the Chinese military exercises, saying, "This unilateral military exercise by China is an unreasonable provocation that undermines regional peace and stability." A spokesperson for the Presidential Office also said that Taiwan regrets China's unilateral military provocation.

Meanwhile, the large-scale military exercises by the Chinese military are seen as an attempt to deter the United States. A deputy spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry argued that "the United States must stop supporting Taiwanese independence forces and interfering in China's internal affairs." This is seen as a direct warning against the United States, which continues to sell arms to Taiwan.

Experts have analyzed that the military exercises are intended to showcase China's ability to impose a naval and air blockade on Taiwan. They have also raised the possibility of partial training during the preparation process. While not a high-intensity exercise involving live-fire drills, it is likely to serve as a means for China to increase pressure and deterrence against Taiwan.