Beijing has demanded an immediate halt to US arms sales to Taiwan, warning the moves are driving the Taiwan Strait closer to conflict.
The dispute comes after Washington approved an arms package valued at about $11.1 billion for Taipei in December.
The reported package includes ATACMS missiles, drones, and HIMARS systems, underscoring the scale of US support.
China responded with a large military deployment around Taiwan under drills it called “Justice Mission 2025”.
Taiwanese monitoring reports said Chinese naval and air units moved to encircle the island during the operation.
The drills included heavy air activity, with 130 aircraft reportedly detected within a 24-hour window.
Reports also said more than a dozen missiles were fired offshore as part of the show of force.
Chinese authorities said the exercises tested blockade scenarios and coordinated strike capabilities.
These exercises are a severe warning to separatist forces advocating Taiwan’s independence and to foreign powers.
Shi Yi said.
External forces attempting to use Taiwan to contain China and arm it will only encourage the arrogance of the separatists and push the Taiwan Strait toward a perilous situation of imminent war.