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.

China has launched a series of intense military exercises around Taiwan, sending a strong message against what it calls “separatist forces.” Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that in a single day, 43 Chinese military ships and drones entered its air defense identification zone (ADIZ).