China ends war games as Taiwan details surge of military planes, ships

China has ended two days of war games around Taiwan, in which it simulated attacks with bombers and practised boarding ships, exercises that Taipei condemned as "blatant provocation" on May 25 as it detailed a surge of Chinese warplanes and warships.

- 

Chinese state television's military channel said late on May 24 that the drills had concluded. A commentary in the official People's Liberation Army Daily said they lasted for two days from May 23 to May 24, as previously announced.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, launched the "Joint Sword 2024A" exercises three days after Mr Lai Ching-telabelled by Beijing as a "separatist" - became Taiwan's president.

China said the exercises are "punishment" for his inauguration speech on May 20, in which he said the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are "not subordinate to each other".

Beijing viewed it as a declaration that the two are separate countries.

Mr Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed. He said only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

Taipei has condemned the drills and said it will not be cowed by Chinese pressure.