China simulates assault on Taiwan after president’s speech

China surrounded Taiwan with 34 naval vessels and a record 125 aircraft in response to a speech given by the island’s president. China’s foreign ministry confirmed it had simulated a military assault on Taiwan, with the patrol around the island forming the shape of a love heart. Beijing described the drills as punishment for a recent speech by William Lai, president of Taiwan, in which he vowed to “resist annexation or encroachment”. Beijing hates Lai, a Harvard graduate who talks tough on China and assumed office in May on a promise to defend Taiwanese democracy. The US said that Monday’s drills risked escalation, while Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense called them “irrational and provocative”. Xi Jinping has vowed to retake Taiwan by force if necessary.