Beijing said the drills were in response to recent statements and actions by the U.S. and others regarding the self-governing island it claims sovereignty over.

In an echo of long-held U.S. warnings, Taiwan for the first time identified 2027 as the year a potential Chinese invasion of the democratic island could be unleashed.

Chinese military exercises near Taiwan were a response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's promotion of separatism. Taiwan called China a 'troublemaker,' as military activities increase. Tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to rise,