China taunts Taiwan with military drills as new leader rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims

Mock battles involving heavily armed warplanes have been staged by the Chinese military around Taiwan, as part of a warning against Taiwanese independence.  

Known as Exercise Joint Sword 24A, the military drills have been conducted by the Eastern Theatre of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and involved the army, navy, air and rocket forces in the Taiwan Strait.

A spokesperson for Theatre Command said the drills serve as a strong "punishment" for the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces.

• China now playing active role by arming Russia for war in Ukraine, Shapps says
• The Fujian, China's new cutting-edge aircraft carrier, sets sail for initial sea trials
• Taiwan and China: How do their militaries stack up?

Theatre Command added that the drills were a stern warning against any interference and provocation by external forces.

The joint military operation began in the Taiwan Strait, the north, south and east of Taiwan Island, as well as areas around the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.

The Command spokesperson said the exercises involve the patrol of vessels and planes closing in on areas around the island of Taiwan and integrated operations inside and outside the island chain to test the joint real combat capabilities of the forces of the command.

Theatre Command added that the drills focus on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, and joint precision strikes on key targets.

The drills come just a few days after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, a man Beijing has branded a "separatist".

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the joint military drills surrounding the island of Taiwan are legitimate and necessary.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said: "It's completely legitimate and necessary for the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army to conduct joint military drills surrounding the island of Taiwan, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, strongly punish the Taiwan independence separatist forces for seeking 'independence', and seriously warn against interference and provocation by external forces.

"The Chinese people will never waver in their resolve to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Taiwan's new leader has repeatedly offered to hold talks with China, but has been rebuffed.

President Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.