Democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, had been on alert for more war games since last week's national day speech by President Lai Ching-te, an address Beijing condemned after Lai said China had no right to represent Taiwan even as he offered to cooperate with Beijing.

China has conducted extensive military exercises around Taiwan, aiming to issue a warning against Taiwanese independence. The Chinese Defense Ministry explained these drills as a reaction to President Lai Ching-te's refusal to align with Beijing's demand for Taiwan to recognise itself as part of China. Taiwan's Defense Ministry has labelled these actions as provocative, asserting readiness to respond.

China has launched massive military exercises surrounding Taiwan in response to the island refusing to follow the rule of the Communist Party.

China said on Monday (Oct 14) it would punish and sanction Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities. In a statement, the Taiwan Affairs Office said the "Black Bear Academy" that both men were associated with was seeking to incite s