China's propaganda video shows flags with Taiwan's Central Mountain Range in military display

In a recent act of propaganda against Taiwan, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) released a video taken by a fighter jet pilot during military exercises around Taiwan.

The video purportedly shows "China's national flag and military flag in the same frame with the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan," demonstrating military strength in response to the newly sworn-in Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his administration, following Lai's recent remarks on China-Taiwan relations.

On 24 May, the PLA concluded its two-day military drills around Taiwan, featuring jets loaded with live munitions and warships practising manoeuvres to seize and isolate the self-ruled island.

On the same day, the PLA released a 10-second video on its official WeChat account, filmed from inside a fighter jet.

The video displayed stickers of the five-star red flag and the PLA flag on the cockpit glass.

In the distance, the shadows of mountains were faintly visible through the clouds, accompanied by the soundtrack "My war eagle is flying around the treasure island" (我的战鹰绕着宝岛飞).

The Eastern Theater Command's video caption stated that during the exercise, pilots patrolling around Taiwan Island captured "this striking scene: the national flag and military flag in the same frame with the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan."

Hua Chunying, an outspoken spokesperson for China's foreign ministry who was recently promoted to vice foreign minister, also shared the clip on Twitter, describing it as "a most welcome sight for the 1.4 billion Chinese people."

Taiwan’s United Daily News reported that the latest PLA propaganda not only demonstrates China’s determination to eventually unify Taiwan but also shows the Taiwanese people that PLA aircraft had come very close to the main island of Taiwan during the exercise, with the Central Mountain Range visible to the naked eye.

On 20 May, Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s new president. Lai, succeeding Tsai Ing-wen after her eight-year tenure, addressed the increasing tensions with Beijing in his inaugural speech.

China, which regards Taiwan as a province, has labelled the 64-year-old Lai a “dangerous separatist.”

This designation comes amidst escalating military activities around Taiwan and stern rhetoric from Beijing insisting on “reunification” as inevitable.

In stark contrast, Lai’s speech highlighted Taiwan’s strategic significance and called for peaceful coexistence.

He urged China to halt its “political and military intimidation” and embrace dialogue and cooperation with Taiwan under terms of equality and mutual respect.

“The future of Taiwan is not only crucial to its people but also to global stability,” Lai stated, stressing the importance of a collaborative effort to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and the wider region.

He also reminded his citizens of the stark realities of China’s stance, cautioning against any illusions of an easy resolution to their differences.

Lai’s address, rich with references to democracy, also looked back at Taiwan’s evolution from authoritarian rule to a robust democracy, with the first direct presidential elections in 1996 marking a significant milestone.

“The sovereignty of the Republic of China Taiwan lies in the hands of its people,” Lai affirmed.

"I hope that China will face the reality of the Republic of China's existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan, and in good faith, choose dialogue over confrontation, exchange over containment, and under the principles of parity and dignity, engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan's people. "

Lai proposed starting cooperation with China through the resumption of reciprocal tourism and the enrollment of Chinese degree students in Taiwanese institutions, aiming for peace and mutual prosperity.

However, Lai's inaugural speech on 20 May triggered a fierce backlash from mainland China, which has launched a series of strongly worded attacks in recent days, accusing him of promoting the separatist idea of Taiwan independence.

In response, the PLA Eastern Theater Command launched a two-day "Joint Sword-2024A" military exercise on 23 and 24 May.

This exercise involved the navy, army, air force, rocket force, and coast guard ships, surrounding the main island of Taiwan and outlying islands such as Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu Island, and Dongyin Island in five major areas.

Taiwan's Presidential Office expressed disappointment over China's recent large-scale military exercises.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of National Defense responded with a video on social media, demonstrating confidence in ensuring security and defending Taiwan's sovereignty.