The Chinese military said Tuesday it had launched joint exercises involving its army, navy, air force and rocket force around Taiwan as a “stern warning,” days after US defense chief Pete Hegseth vowed to counter “China’s aggression” on his first visit to Asia.

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.

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- China said Tuesday it has launched military drills around Taiwan that serve as a "stern warning and forceful deterrence" against those seeking the island's independence, ratcheting up tensions and slamming its leader Lai Ching-te for his government's "blatant provocations."