China launches 'punishment' war games around Taiwan

Open this photo in gallery: In this photo released by the Taiwan Coast Guard, a Chinese navy vessel identified as the Chinese Missile Frigate FFG 548 is seen near the Pengjia Islet north of Taiwan on May 23.The Associated Press China launched "punishment" drills around Taiwan on Thursday in what it said was a response to "separatist acts," sending up heavily armed warplanes and staging mock attacks as state media denounced newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te. The exercises in the Taiwan Strait and around groups of Taiwan-controlled islands beside the Chinese coast come just three days after Lai took office….