Chinese military exercises near Taiwan on Monday were punishment for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's continued promotion of "separatism", according to a stern statement out of Beijing, as Taiwan hit back by calling China a troublemaker.

China is ramping up pressure on Taiwan with the People’s Liberation Army increasing flights across the US-drawn boundary separating the mainland from the self-ruled island.

Chinese military exercises near Taiwan were a response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's promotion of separatism. Taiwan called China a 'troublemaker,' as military activities increase. Tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to rise,