China Launches Military Drills Around Taiwan, Calls President a ‘Parasite’

BEIJING – China’s military has commenced large-scale exercises around Taiwan, escalating tensions in the region. The drills, announced on Tuesday (Apr 1), involve joint operations by the army, navy, and rocket forces, described as a “stern warning” against Taiwanese independence. In a particularly aggressive move, Chinese officials referred to Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-Te as a “parasite.”

China has intensified military and political pressure on Taiwan in recent years, with Beijing consistently asserting its claim over the island and refusing to rule out the use of force for reunification.

According to a statement from China’s Eastern Theater Command, the drills focus on:

• Combat readiness patrols at sea and in the air.
• Seizing comprehensive control of key military zones.
• Striking maritime and land targets.
• Imposing blockade measures on critical areas and routes.

Accompanying the military drills, China launched an aggressive propaganda campaign. A poster titled “Closing In” was shared on social media, depicting Chinese warships and fighter jets encircling Taiwan. Additionally, a provocative animation titled “Shell” surfaced on the Eastern Theater Command’s WeChat page. The video portrayed President Lai Ching-Te as a cartoon bug held by chopsticks above a burning Taiwan, with captions reading:

• “Parasite poisoning Taiwan island.”
• “Parasite hollowing the island out.”
• “Parasite courting ultimate destruction.”

This latest military maneuver underscores China’s increasing pressure on Taiwan, particularly following Lai’s election as president. With rising geopolitical tensions and a growing international focus on the Taiwan Strait, this development could further strain relations between Beijing, Taipei, and global powers monitoring the situation.