China holds large-scale military drills around Taiwan

China conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday to serve as a "severe warning" to the self-governing democratic island against separatism.

Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command, called the drills — involving air, sea, and rocket forces — a "severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence" and a meant to "safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity."

China's Coast Guard called its exercises a "law enforcement patrol" around Taiwan.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense tracked 19 Chinese navy vessels in the area, including the Shandong aircraft carrier, which entered Taiwan's defense zone.

In response, Taiwan deployed warships and activated its missile systems.

Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out force to bring it under control, while most Taiwanese favor their de facto independence.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said Taipei's "stubborn persistence with the Taiwan independence stance" is "doomed to fail."

China labels Taiwan's president 'parasite'

The exercises are aimed as a warning to Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whom China labels a "separatist."

In a video released on Chinese social media, Lai was depicted as a green cartoon bug with the words: "Parasite courting ultimate destruction."

Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo said China's actions "shows their provocative character," and insisted such rhetoric was not conducive to peace.

Last month, Lai had accused Beijing of trying to "absorb" Taiwan and undermine the island's independence.

China had dismissed Lai's remarks, saying that nothing "change the inevitable event of the reunification [of Taiwan] with the motherland."

Beijing continues apparent intimidation strategy

Taiwan's Presidential Office denounced China's "escalatory behavior" on Tuesday, calling on Beijing to halt its unwarranted military provocations immediately.

"Solely displaying military force is not something that should be expected from modern, progressive nations," Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai said.

The latest drills come after months of rising tensions, with China regularly sending military planes and ships toward Taiwan.

Just two weeks ago, Beijing sent a large number of drones and ships toward the island in a large-scale exercise in mid- March.

Taiwan's government condemned the drills, asserting its right to self-defense.

What has the West said about China's drills?

The US State Department said Washington was closely monitoring China's military activity near Taiwan and would continue to support the island in the face of Beijing's military, economic and diplomatic pressure.

"China has shown that it is not a responsible actor and has no problem putting the region's security and prosperity at risk. There is no justification for China’s irresponsible threats and military pressure operations near Taiwan," a State Department spokesperson said.

The European Union accused China of increasing cross-strait tensions by holding the drills and called on all parties to show restraint.

"China's large-scale military drills around Taiwan are increasing cross-strait tensions," said EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper. "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate tensions, which should be resolved through cross-strait dialogue."

Edited by: Zac Crellin