By Bond Robertson 
– This is a stern warning to Taiwan independence separatists who are collaborating with foreign makers to provoke, said a brief statement from the Chinese military, republished in state media.
The exercises are for both the Navy and the Air Force, and are taking place in the area around Taiwan, she says.
The eastern Chinese island nation has reported 42 airspace violations by Chinese warplanes since the exercise began.
According to the Taiwanese authorities, 42 aircraft and eight Chinese ships will participate in the exercises.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense strongly condemns the military drill, saying it will send “appropriate” forces to respond.
The Taiwanese government strongly urges China to stop using coercion and threats and start dialogue instead.
Recently, Vice President of Taiwan William Lai visited the United States before heading to Paraguay, which was met with harsh criticism from China. China’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it repudiated any visit by Taiwanese separatists to the United States.
According to opinion polls, Lai is the favorite to take over as President Tsai Ing-wen in the elections in January next year. China is unenthusiastic about Lai, calling him a troublemaker.
Taiwan is an autonomous territory that the authorities in Beijing consider part of China. The United Nations and the vast majority of countries in the world are bound by this “One China Principle”.