China launches military drill to 'punish' Taiwan

TAIWAN scrambled jets and put its land, sea and air forces on alert after China surrounded the island in provocative military exercises.

- Callum Hoare and Oli Smith

Beijing said its manoeuvres, simulating an invasion, were intended to "punish" the self-ruling nation for its "separatist acts".

The drills, part of surprise twoday military war games by the regime, came days after the island inaugurated its president Lai Ching-te, who China has called a "dangerous troublemaker".

Experts warn the threat against Taiwan is at its highest level yet, with the West distracted by wars in Europe and the Middle East and by UK and US elections.

Former US Admiral Mike Hewitt told the Daily Express: "I think they are weighing Western weakness on the world stage as a chance to continue to flex their muscles in the Pacific. The threat level vis-avis Taiwan has never been higher."