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.

Taiwan is in a complicated position in the relationship between China and the U.S., one that is already fraught over issues such as trade, technology transfers and human rights. Beijing has pledged to bring Taiwan under its control someday, by force if needed.