China
said it was beginning military exercises around Taiwan on May 23 as a “powerful punishment” for Taiwan’s separatist forces “seeking ‘independence.’”The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command
said, “‘Taiwan independence’ and peace across the Taiwan Strait are incompatible.”Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense
condemned the exercises, saying, “We seek no conflicts, but we will not shy away from one. We have the confidence to safeguard our national security.” Credit: Eastern Theater Command via Storyful