China's military has conducted exercises around Taiwan in an apparent move to maintain pressure on the administration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.



The military's Eastern Theater Command announced that its army, navy, air and rocket forces carried out joint drills on Tuesday.



The command said a formation of vessels and planes, as well as a missile unit, conducted the drills in waters off the north, south and east of Taiwan.



The exercises reportedly included intercepting targets midair, attacking ground and sea targets, as well as a naval blockade.



The command said the drills serve as a stern warning and forceful deterrent against "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. It also said the exercises were a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty.



Chinese Coast Guard vessels also reportedly patrolled around Taiwan in formation to practice inspection and seizure procedures.



Taiwan's defense ministry said that it had detected a Chinese naval fleet, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, operating in Taiwan's vicinity.



The ministry said China continues to expand its military activities in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, undermining regional security and stability.



Last month, Taiwan's President Lai described China as a "hostile external force."



China, which regards him as a pro-independence leader, sharply reacted and announced in the same month that its military had conducted drills around Taiwan.



With such acts, China apparently has been normalizing military pressure on Taiwan's Lai administration.



Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa said on Tuesday that the country is keeping a close watch on how the situation develops with grave interest, and that it conveyed its concerns to China.



The top government spokesperson said peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait is essential for members of the international community, including Japan.



Hayashi added that Japan is taking every possible precaution in monitoring China's activities in the air and waters around Japan.