Beijing: China has warned Taiwan that an attempt to pursue independence from Beijing “means war” as it defended heightened military drills around the island.
A Chinese military spokesman said its military exercises were needed “to safeguard national sovereignty”.
Beijing is concerned about the perceived growing close links between Taiwan and the US.
Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, reported multiple Chinese fighter jets and bombers entering its southwestern air defence identification zone last weekend, prompting Washington to urge Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan.
China believes that the Taiwan government of President Tsai Ing-wen is moving the island towards a declaration of formal independence. But Tsai has repeatedly said it is already an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name.
