China holds large naval and air force exercises around Taiwan as a warning against independence

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China is holding large-scale military exercises surrounding Taiwan and its outlying islands. China’s Defense Ministry said the drills were a response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s refusal to concede to Beijing’s demands that Taiwan acknowledge itself as a part of the People’s Republic of China under the rule of the Communist Party. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry called the drills a provocation and said its forces were prepared to respond. A naval official said forces in the navy, air force and missile corps were all mobilized for the drills. “This is a major warning to those who back Taiwan independence,” the spokesperson said.