China’s military conducted major military drills near Taiwan on Monday, days after Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te said China “has no right to represent Taiwan”.
Chinese ships and aircraft approached Taiwan from the north, south, and east.
These forces prepared for future sea and air assaults and blockades of Taiwanese targets, according to the People’s Liberation Army.
The drills began without prior notice to Taiwan.
China’s command spokesperson, Li Xi, said the drill “serves as a stern warning to the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces”.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council later said the military exercises were “blatant provocations” aimed at destabilising the region.
American officials condemned the drills, with a State Department spokesperson calling on China to “avoid any further actions that may undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait”.
Taiwan is self-governed, but Beijing claims the island as part of China’s territory.
Australia’s Senate passed a bipartisan motion in August condemning China’s attempts to use a 1971 United Nations resolution to advance its claim to Taiwan.
Lai’s comments were part of his speech on Taiwan’s national day.
While Lai defended Taiwan’s independence, he said the country was “willing to work with China on addressing climate change, combating infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security”.