Taiwan held its presidential elections this week, elevating Lai Ching-te to power after incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen needed to step down because of term limits. The two were partners in the ruling, pro-independence party, so not much is expected to change in terms of policy. However, the election results sparked an angry response from China, despite the predictable nature of the process. Beijing launched a massive set of military exercises all around the island of Taiwan, with naval warships patrolling the Taiwan Strait and warplanes practicing bombing runs that threatened to cross into Taiwan’s airspace. In response, Taiwan put its own fighter jets into the air and placed its naval and land-based military units on high alert. The region was already experiencing tense conditions, but this week was the closest they have come to open warfare in some time. (Associated Press)
China Launches Show of Force Around Taiwan – HotAir
