China's military holds "punishment" drills around Taiwan

• Chinese leader Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that China has the right to take Taiwan, by force if necessary.

Between the lines: "This feels like a prelude to more and bigger military drills to come," said Wen-Ti Sung, a political analyst and China expert at the Australian National University, on X.

• "This is a signal to shape international narratives. The real 'punishment' against Taiwan may be yet to come, for it takes time."

What they're saying: Taiwan's Defense Ministry said in a video posted to X that it had deployed its aerial, naval and land units in response to Beijing's announcement.

• The ministry emphasized in a post condemning Beijing's action that it sought no conflict, but stood ready "with firm will and restraint."

More from Axios:

• China says it will "never compromise" on Taiwan
• China fires missiles into sea near Taiwan during drills around island
• China is unable to invade Taiwan, most U.S. and Taiwanese experts say

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details of the response from Taiwan's Defense Ministry.