China began joint army, navy and rocket force exercises around Taiwan as a "stern warning" against separatism. Taiwan sent warships to respond to China's navy approaching its coast.

The drills came after Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, announced measures to counter China’s influence and espionage. Beijing also wants to send a message to Washington, analysts said.

The military drills come as Beijing again warned the self-ruled island democracy of seeking formal independence.