China launched a show of military force around Taiwan on Monday, deploying fighter jets and warships in what Beijing described as a "stern warning" to "separatist" movements on the self-governed island.

This marks the fourth round of large-scale military exercises by China in the past two years, as Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any direct official foreign contact with the island, has not ruled out the use of force to bring back Taiwan under its control.

The United States, Taiwan's most crucial ally and largest arms supplier, condemned the drills, calling them "unwarranted" and warning that they risk "escalation" while urging Beijing to exercise restraint.

Taiwan denounced the latest exercises as "irrational and provocative" and confirmed that it had mobilized "appropriate forces" in response.

Outlying islands under Taipei’s administration were placed on "heightened alert", and the Taiwanese Defense Ministry assured that "aircraft and ships will respond to enemy situations in accordance with the engagement rules."

Exercises stern warning to separatist acts: Beijing

Beijing stressed that the exercises were a "stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces" and dubbed the drills "Joint Sword-2024B."

Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command, said the drills tested the joint operational capabilities of its forces, focusing on sea-air combat-readiness patrols and blockades of key ports and areas.

The exercises included simulated assaults on maritime and ground targets, with Chinese fighter jets and warships deployed, according to Chinese media.

Additionally, China's coast guard was deployed to conduct inspections around the island, as shown in a diagram indicating four fleets moving in an encircling, anticlockwise formation around Taiwan.

Coast guard units from Fujian province, the mainland region closest to Taiwan, also launched "comprehensive law enforcement patrols" in waters near Taiwan-controlled Matsu islands.

Taiwan reported that four Chinese coast guard formations were patrolling the region, though they had not entered "restricted waters".

Chinese military activity around Taiwan has intensified in recent years, with frequent warplane sorties and naval patrols near the island’s waters.

The ongoing dispute between China and Taiwan traces back to the Chinese Civil War, in which the nationalist forces, led by Chiang Kai-shek, retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after being defeated by Mao Zedong's communist forces.

While Taiwan operates its own government, military, and currency, it has never declared formal independence from mainland China.

All Taiwanees troops in full readiness: Taipei

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry on Monday reiterated its readiness to face any threats, affirming that "all officers and soldiers of the country are in full readiness."

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, convened a high-level security meeting in response to the drills, with Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, calling the exercises "inconsistent with international law."

In a National Day speech last Thursday, Lai pledged to resist what he labeled as the "annexation" of Taiwan, claiming that Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other."

China defended its actions on Monday, underscoring that the drills were "a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity."

Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that 25 Chinese aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected around the island in the 26 hours leading up to 8:00 am (0000 GMT) on Monday.

Lieutenant Colonel Fu Zhengnan, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences, warned in a video shared by state media that the drills could "switch from training to combat at any time."

"If Taiwan separatists provoke once, the PLA's operation around the island will make their first move," Fu made it clear, referring to China’s People's Liberation Army.

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