Taiwan President Lai Ching-te visited coast guard and navy units as well as the air force's operational command on Friday, following China's large-scale military exercise on Monday.

Lai expressed gratitude to coast guard officials for their monitoring activities during the Chinese drill in waters and airspace around Taiwan.

He said Taiwan remains committed to protecting its sovereignty and safeguarding its waters and freedom of navigation.

Lai also visited the air force command and a navy unit in charge of operating anti-ship missiles, and told the personnel to protect the people of Taiwan.

Taiwan's defense ministry has announced that over the course of 25 hours, a record 153 Chinese military aircraft took part in the drill along with vessels.

Lai made the visits soon after the Chinese exercise in an apparent effort to call for unity and show his stance to counter China's military pressure.