China recently wrapped up two days of war games near Taiwan, which involved simulated attacks with bombers and ship boarding exercises. The drills came shortly after Lai Ching-te assumed the presidency of Taiwan, prompting Beijing to label him a “separatist” and launch the exercises as a form of “punishment” for his inauguration speech, which Beijing interpreted as advocating for Taiwan’s independence. Despite repeated offers for dialogue from Lai’s administration, China has rebuffed them, insisting on its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.