Beijing launches ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan

China’s army, navy, rocket and air forces will practice “precision strikes on key targets”

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has kicked off a series of joint exercises around Taiwan designed to serve as a “punishment” and “warning” to separatist forces seeking independence of the island, it announced in a press release on Thursday.

The drills will coordinate the PLA’s army, navy, air force and rocket force in the Taiwan Strait...