The Chinese military has conducted large-scale drills around Taiwan as it again warned the self-ruled island against seeking formal independence.

The drills came after Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, announced measures to counter China’s influence and espionage. Beijing also wants to send a message to Washington, analysts said.

One analyst called China’s large-scale drills a “pre-invasion operation” as it ramps up attacks on Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, calling him a “parasite.”

China staged surprise military exercises in the sea and skies around Taiwan on Tuesday in what the People's Liberation Army said was a "stern warning" to the island's "separatist" government and those

China staged military drills off Taiwan's north, south and east coasts on Tuesday as a "stern warning" against separatism and called Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te a "parasite," as Taiwan sent warships to respond to China's navy approaching its shores.

China launched massive surprise military drills around Taiwan days after the US defense secretary on a trip to Asia pledged to counter Chinese “aggression.”

China is calling its aggressive show of naval force off the coast of Taiwan a "stern warning" against any move by the southeast Asian island to seek independence. Ramy Inocencio reports on the rising tensions.

The Chinese military announced large-scale drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan that include an aircraft carrier battle group, as it again warned the self-ruled island democracy against seeking formal independence.