China began this morning the second day of its large-scale military maneuvers off the coast of Taiwan, Reuters reported. quoted by BTA.
Military exercises aim to test the ability to "seize power" and control of key areas, the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Command said in a statement, quoted by the agency.
China surrounded 23 million and pledged the blood of the "independence forces" to flow to the self-governing island, reported AFP and Reuters, quoted by BNR.
35 out of a total of 49 fighters and aircraft crossed the middle line of the strait, which separates the airspaces of China and Taiwan, another 15 ships and missile forces participated.
In response, Taiwan deployed air, land and sea forces with a pledge to "defend freedom".
The two-day exercises are part of China's escalating campaign of intimidation, world agencies write. Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, was sworn in on Monday. He then called on China to stop its threats and said that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subservient to each other. Beijing described his speech as a "recognition of independence".
According to the Chinese military, the exercises should serve as a "strong punishment for the separatist actions of the so-called Taiwan Independence Forces".
The Taiwan Strait is one of the most important maritime trade arteries, and the island produces many technical devices as well as semiconductors that are used in practically everything from smartphones to rocket launchers.