HONG KONG (AP) – China’s military has conducted joint military drills around Taiwan, involving air, navy, and rocket troops as part of a strategy that Beijing described as a “stern warning” against both separatist movements and external interference. In response, Taiwan has placed its forces on high alert, labeling the Chinese government as “the biggest destroyer of peace.”

The drills were initiated following heightened tensions regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and remarks from Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who indicated that Japan might intervene militarily if China took action against Taiwan. Despite the context, the Chinese military did not directly mention the U.S. or Japan in its statements regarding the drills.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry announced on X that rapid response exercises were currently underway, confirming that its forces were prepared to defend against any potential threats. The ministry stated that the Chinese military’s targeted exercises underscore its role as an aggressor and emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, confirmed that the military exercises would occur in the Taiwan Strait and various other strategic locations around Taiwan. He highlighted the focus of these activities, which included sea-air combat readiness patrols, joint efforts to secure comprehensive superiority, and blockades on critical ports. This particular drill marked the first large-scale exercise where the command announced objectives related to “all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain.”

Shi described the operations as a “stern warning” against pro-independence forces in Taiwan and external entities, referring to the military maneuvers as a legitimate action to protect China’s sovereignty and national unity. The drills featured the utilization of fighters, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles, coordinating long-range rocket launches to target mobile ground objectives, testing the military's capacity for precision strikes.

Moreover, the military command announced that major drills were set for Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., which would include live firing exercises in five designated areas around the island. The command utilized social media to publicize themed posters related to the drills, one of which depicted military elements alongside assertive messaging regarding foreign interlopers facing elimination.

In recent actions, Beijing imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 executives shortly after Washington proposed significant arms sales to Taiwan valued at over $10 billion, which, if approved, would represent the largest American military support offered to the island to date. The U.S. has a longstanding obligation under federal law to assist Taiwan in its defense, a situation that has increasingly intensified relations with China.

Amidst the military drills, Taiwan’s spokesman underscored that the provocative actions from the Chinese military undermine regional stability and challenge international legal norms. The Taiwanese office condemned China’s disregard for international standards, framing the military intimidation as a direct threat to neighboring nations.

The ongoing military tensions reflect an escalating situation, as China has been conducting military operations near Taiwan almost daily and increasing the frequency and scale of these maneuvers. In a recent October announcement, Taiwan committed to bolstering its defense infrastructure, including an accelerated development of the “T-Dome” air defense system in response to perceived threats from China.

On a local front, the military tensions emerged simultaneously with the remarks of Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an during his visit to Shanghai, where he expressed a desire for peace and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait rather than conflict.