China testing ability to ‘seize power’ in second day of military drills around Taiwan

PLA says exercises launched in response to president’s inauguration will test capacity to ‘seize power, launch joint attacks and occupy key areas’

China has begun its second day of military drills targeting Taiwan, in what it says is punishment for “separatist acts” after the inauguration of its new president on Monday.

The exercises, which involve Chinese military units from the air force, rocket force, navy, army, and coast guard, were announced suddenly on Thursday morning, with maps showing five approximate target areas in the sea surrounding Taiwan’s main island. Other areas also targeted Taiwan’s offshore islands, which are close to the Chinese mainland.