China is holding military drills around Taiwan simulating the seizure and blockade of the island’s key areas, as a warning against "separatist forces".
The army, navy, air force and rocket force have been dispatched for the drills which include live-fire exercises, the Chinese military said.
Codenamed "Justice Mission 2025", the drills are taking place days after the US announced the sale of one of its largest weapons packages to Taiwan worth $11bn (£8.2bn). That move drew sharp protest from Beijing which in turn sanctioned US defence firms.
While some initial drills have begun, the military said it would conduct a major exercise from 08:00 to 18:00 local time on Tuesday.
Taiwan’s presidential office has criticised the upcoming Chinese drills, calling them a challenge to international norms.
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