Mainland China launches PLA blockade around Taiwan, 3 days after William Lai speech

The People’s Liberation Army has launched a two-day exercise around Taiwan, “testing joint combat capabilities” by blockading the island. The drills include mainland China’s army, navy, air force and rocket forces. They were announced by the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command on May 23, 2024, three days after William Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s new leader. The drills have been taking place to the west, north and east of the main island of Taiwan, as well as near its outlying islands.