ISTANBUL

China on Tuesday launched joint exercises involving its army, navy, air force and rocket force around Taiwan, according to state media.

The spokesman for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command Senior Colonel Shi Yi called the drills a “stern warning and forceful deterrent against Taiwan independence separatist forces,” a government statement said.

In a press conference, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said that 71 Chinese military aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, and 21 navy ships and four Coast Guard vessels participated in the exercise.

“The PLA Navy vessels, led by the aircraft carrier Shandong were detected from March 29th and entered into our response zone yesterday,” the ministry said on X.

“We strongly condemn China’s irrational provocations. We firmly oppose PLA's actions that undermine regional peace. Standing guard at the forefront of freedom and democracy, remain steadfast in defending our territorial sovereignty,” it added.

Taipei has reported detecting 431 Chinese aircraft and 228 warships throughout March.

Meanwhile, Taiwan deported Chinese national influencer Xiao Wei over social media posts supporting China's "military unification" with Taiwan after she refused to leave by the deadline of her deportation order, according to the state-run Central News Agency.

Taiwan has launched a campaign against citizens holding Chinese identity cards, with 14 individuals already notified that their household registration was set to be revoked.