China launches 'punishment' military drills surrounding Taiwan

TAIPEI -- China on Thursday announced immediate military drills around Taiwan, just days after Lai Ching-te was sworn in as president in Taipei.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army said it started the drills at 7:45 a.m. It said the maneuvers would surround all of Taiwan -- to the north, east and south, in the Taiwan Strait and near the islands of Kinmen, Matsu and Dongyin. The PLA said the drills would run through Thursday and Friday.