Taiwan Scrambles F-16s As China Tests Ability To “Seize Power” | Xi Eyeing Blockade Over War?

On May 24, China’s second day of drills around Taiwan expanded from blockade practice and battlefield control to include domain occupation. The drills were aimed at testing its ability to "seize power" and control key areas in exercises China said were launched to punish Taiwan's new president. The two days of drills in the Taiwan Strait and around groups of Taiwan-controlled islands near China started three days after Lai Ching-te took office. The Eastern Theatre Command of the PLA* said its forces on May 24 continued with their drills, dubbed "Joint Sword - 2024A." The exercises are to "test the ability to jointly seize power, launch joint attacks and occupy key areas", according to the PLA statement. Analysts said Beijing’s drills suggested it had a blockade strategy, which would be preferable to direct armed conflict, against Taiwan. China considered it would cost Beijing relatively little and cause less damage on the island, according to experts. Experts said low-intensity military actions such as a blockade strategy could also reduce the possibility of intervention by the US. Singapore Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong said Taiwan had become “one of the most dangerous flashpoints” in the region as the US-mainland China rivalry intensified.