China’s military launched two days of war games around Taiwan on Friday, testing their ability to “seize power” and control key areas. The drills were launched shortly after Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te took office, as Beijing views him as a “separatist”. Taiwan condemned the exercises but life continues normally on the island. The drills raise risks of accidents or miscalculations, as analysts see it as a warning that Chinese forces could attempt a swift blockade against Lai’s government, which Beijing refuses to engage with over its sovereignty claims on Taiwan. Photo: Reuters