It is a "strong deterrent measure" against the "behavior of the separatist independent forces of Taiwan seeking independence". Four days after Taiwan celebrated its National Day and its president reaffirmed the democracy and sovereignty of the nation,

China deployed fighter jets and warships to encircle Taiwan on Monday, in drills Beijing said were aimed at sending a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces on the self-ruled island. Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control,

Beijing, SANA- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday organized its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct “Joint Sword-2024B” drills in the Taiwan Strait and the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan, said a spokesperson.