China conducts military exercises near Taiwan as 'punishment for separatism'.

Chinese military conducts exercises near Taiwan as punishment for the spreading of 'separatism' by President Lai Ching-te, Beijing reported. China is increasing military and political pressure on Taiwan, never renouncing the use of force to subdue the democratic island, according to Reuters.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that China conducted two 'joint combat readiness patrols' using 54 military aircraft, including J-10 fighters and drones, in the Taiwan area. Taiwanese forces monitored 42 Chinese aircraft that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial buffer between the two sides.

'If Lai's administration dares to provoke and play with fire, it will only lead to its own destruction,' said a representative of the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office.

Taiwan often reports such military actions from China, but China rarely comments on them. Beijing continues to threaten the island militarily, increasing tension in the Taiwan Strait and destabilizing the region.

Officials from Taiwan's security agency claim that China conducts such patrol training on average every 7-10 days. Lai stated that China has deepened its campaign against Taiwan and promised to take measures against efforts by Beijing to 'absorb' Taiwan.

The Taipei government believes that Taiwan is not a territory of China. Lai has offered negotiations with Beijing but has received refusals. He believes that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.