China has launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, describing them as a "stern warning" against independence movements on the self-ruled island.
The joint exercises involve navy, air, ground and rocket forces, according to Shi Yi, a spokesman for the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command.
Chinese officials stated the drills are meant to be a "severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence".
The exercises focus on "seizing comprehensive control" and "imposing blockade controls on key areas and routes".
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said it had tracked 19 Chinese navy vessels in waters surrounding the island in a 24-hour period. The ministry added it had been monitoring the Shandong aircraft carrier since Saturday. Taiwan has established a central response group to monitor the exercises.
"I want to say these actions amply reflect its destruction of regional peace and stability," said Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo.
Two senior Taiwan officials reported that more than 10 Chinese military ships had approached close to Taiwan's 24 nautical mile contiguous zone. Taiwan sent its own warships in response.
China's military released several propaganda videos after announcing the drills, depicting Chinese forces encircling Taiwan.
LATEST NEWS FROM CHINA
One video titled "Shell" portrayed Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te as a green cartoon bug, calling him a "parasite" that was "poisoning Taiwan island" and "courting ultimate destruction".
When asked about this depiction, Taiwan's Defence Minister Koo said such rhetoric was "not conducive to peace" and "shows their provocative character".
China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Zhu Fenglian described the exercises as "a resolute punishment" for Lai's "independence provocations".
The drills took place shortly after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth left the region following visits to Japan and the Philippines. During his trip, Hegseth criticised China and described Japan as "indispensable" for tackling Chinese aggression.
A senior Taiwan security official told Reuters that Beijing was using Taiwan as "their best excuse" for military action after US-China trade talks.
The American Institute in Taiwan condemned China's actions, stating: "Once again, China has shown that it is not a responsible actor and has no problem putting the region's security and prosperity at risk."
Taiwan's Defence Ministry said China's Shandong aircraft carrier group had entered the island's response area on Monday. The ministry deployed military aircraft and ships and activated land-based missile systems in response.
However, Taiwan has not detected any live fire from the Chinese military, according to officials. China's coast guard announced it was also conducting a "law enforcement patrol" around Taiwan, simulating "inspection and capture" operations.
The drills come just two weeks after another large-scale exercise in mid-March. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. Most Taiwanese favour their de facto independence and democratic status.
Taiwan and China split amid civil war 76 years ago, but tensions have risen in recent years. Communication between the two governments has stopped.
Beijing sends warplanes and navy vessels toward the island daily, seeking to wear down Taiwanese defences and morale.
Faced with the rising threat, Taiwan has ordered new missiles, aircraft and other armaments from the US.
Find Out More...
The joint exercises involve navy, air, ground and rocket forces, according to Shi Yi, a spokesman for the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command.
Chinese officials stated the drills are meant to be a "severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence".
The exercises focus on "seizing comprehensive control" and "imposing blockade controls on key areas and routes".
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said it had tracked 19 Chinese navy vessels in waters surrounding the island in a 24-hour period. The ministry added it had been monitoring the Shandong aircraft carrier since Saturday. Taiwan has established a central response group to monitor the exercises.
"I want to say these actions amply reflect its destruction of regional peace and stability," said Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo.
Two senior Taiwan officials reported that more than 10 Chinese military ships had approached close to Taiwan's 24 nautical mile contiguous zone. Taiwan sent its own warships in response.
China's military released several propaganda videos after announcing the drills, depicting Chinese forces encircling Taiwan.
LATEST NEWS FROM CHINA
- Chinese long-range bombers seen on satellite images as Beijing asserts dominance in South China Sea
- 'Shameful!' Labour caves to China AGAIN as Miliband to reject plan to ban 'slave-made' solar panels
- China provokes global outrage after executing four Canadians for 'drug crimes' in 'brutal' killings
One video titled "Shell" portrayed Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te as a green cartoon bug, calling him a "parasite" that was "poisoning Taiwan island" and "courting ultimate destruction".
When asked about this depiction, Taiwan's Defence Minister Koo said such rhetoric was "not conducive to peace" and "shows their provocative character".
China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Zhu Fenglian described the exercises as "a resolute punishment" for Lai's "independence provocations".
The drills took place shortly after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth left the region following visits to Japan and the Philippines. During his trip, Hegseth criticised China and described Japan as "indispensable" for tackling Chinese aggression.
A senior Taiwan security official told Reuters that Beijing was using Taiwan as "their best excuse" for military action after US-China trade talks.
The American Institute in Taiwan condemned China's actions, stating: "Once again, China has shown that it is not a responsible actor and has no problem putting the region's security and prosperity at risk."
Taiwan's Defence Ministry said China's Shandong aircraft carrier group had entered the island's response area on Monday. The ministry deployed military aircraft and ships and activated land-based missile systems in response.
However, Taiwan has not detected any live fire from the Chinese military, according to officials. China's coast guard announced it was also conducting a "law enforcement patrol" around Taiwan, simulating "inspection and capture" operations.
The drills come just two weeks after another large-scale exercise in mid-March. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. Most Taiwanese favour their de facto independence and democratic status.
Taiwan and China split amid civil war 76 years ago, but tensions have risen in recent years. Communication between the two governments has stopped.
Beijing sends warplanes and navy vessels toward the island daily, seeking to wear down Taiwanese defences and morale.
Faced with the rising threat, Taiwan has ordered new missiles, aircraft and other armaments from the US.
Find Out More...