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.

Taiwan identified 2027 as the potential year for a Chinese invasion for the first time in its annual military drills, as concerns grow on the self-ruled island about tensions with Beijing.

Chinese military exercises near Taiwan on Monday were punishment for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's continued promotion of "separatism", according to a stern statement out of Beijing, as Taiwan hit back by calling China a troublemaker.