TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China announced on Tuesday morning it is holding military exercises around Taiwan, while the Ministry of National Defense reported tracking the Shandong aircraft carrier around the country. 

China's Eastern Theater Command Senior Spokesperson Shi Yi (施毅) said the PLA would conduct joint army, navy, and rocket force exercises “that close in on Taiwan island from multiple directions," per CNA. Shi said the drills focus on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, seizure of comprehensive control, strikes on maritime and land targets, and “blockade of key areas and sea lanes to test joint operation capabilities of troops.”

Shi claimed that the exercises “serve as a stern warning and forceful deterrent against ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.” He described these exercises as a “legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity.”

The MND said that since Saturday, it has been monitoring the movements of the Shandong aircraft carrier group and other PLA military assets. 

The MND said China continues to escalate its military activities around Taiwan and in the Indo-Pacific region. It said these actions “openly challenge international order and undermine regional stability.”