China holds military drills around Taiwan

China on Tuesday sent its army, navy, air and rocket forces to surround Taiwan for large-scale drills Beijing said were aimed at practicing for "precision strikes" and a blockade of the self-ruled island.

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Taiwan dispatched its own aircraft and ships, and deployed land-based missile systems, in response to the exercises and accused Beijing of being the world's "biggest troublemaker".

The drills come after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday in Japan that the United States would ensure "credible deterrence" across the Taiwan Strait.

China opposes US support for Taiwan, which Beijing insists is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

Beijing has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects.

China had deployed 19 warships around the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT Monday), including the Shandong aircraft carrier group, Taiwan's defense ministry said.

That was the most recorded since May last year when 27 navy vessels were reported, according to an AFP tally of the ministry's daily figures.