Chinese state media issues warning to key US partner

Chinese newspaper the Global Times has issued a stark warning to Taiwan, a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific who is fighting to maintain its independence from Beijing.

China says that Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy in East Asia, is a territory of the People’s Republic. This has long caused severe tension between China and Taiwan and strained relations between China and the United States, which has backed Taiwan independence.

Following an inauguration speech that Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, delivered on Monday, China launched two-day military exercises around Taiwan starting Thursday with Beijing’s military stating that it was a “punishment” for the island seeking independence.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which Lai is a part of, is not seeking independence because it already recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign nation.

The Global Times, a nationalistic English-language tabloid published by the propaganda department of China’s ruling Communist Party, said in an opinion piece published on Thursday titled, Lai’s attempt to seek ‘independence’ will surely face strong counterattack, that Beijing launched the military exercises because it was provoked by Taiwan.

“The ‘Joint Sword-2024A’ drills conducted by the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army around the island of Taiwan fully demonstrate that the Taiwan authorities provoke once, we will take countermeasures once; if they provoke more, we will counter their provocations more fiercely, and we will do what we say,” the newspaper wrote.

The Global Times, whose views do not always reflect official policy in China, warned of Taiwan “playing with fire.”

“The truth is clear: ‘Taiwan independence’ and peace in the Taiwan Straits are incompatible. ‘Taiwan independence’ means war. The DPP authorities are provoking ‘independence’ and must bear the consequences of playing with fire,” it wrote.

When reached for comment, the Chinese embassy referred Newsweek to a statement from its spokesperson Liu Pengyu, which read, in part: “Nothing will deter China from upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will do anything necessary to thwart any attempt for ‘Taiwan independence.'”

Liu said Beijing’s military exercises are “fully consistent with international law and common practices.”

Newsweek also reached out to Taiwan’s Economic and Cultural Representative Office via online form for comment.

Lai Calls for Peace

During his inauguration speech on Monday, Lai urged China to choose peace over intimidation in the Indo-Pacific.

“I hope that China will face the reality of (Taiwan)’s existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan, and in good faith, choose dialogue over confrontation,” said Lai.

While Lai vowed to “neither yield nor provoke” China, he did say that Taiwan will defend itself “in the face of the many threats and attempts at infiltration from China.”

The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command said China’s two-day drills were “a powerful punishment for the separatist forces seeking ‘independence’ and a serious warning to external forces for interference and provocation.”

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense called it an “irrational provocation” that “has jeopardized regional peace and stability.”

Update 5/24/24, 5:31 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.