Taiwan dispatches forces to areas around island after China starts 'punishment' drills
Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te speaks outside the Presidential office building in Taipei, Taiwan May 20, 2024. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins Taiwan's military mobilized its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of "punishment" drills around Taiwan on Thursday in what it said was a response to "separatist acts".