China has intensified military drills near Taiwan, warning against support for the island's independence.

Axar.az, citing Euronews, reports that Taiwan's defense ministry reported 43 Chinese drones and ships entering its air defense zone, prompting Taiwan to monitor and deploy countermeasures.

Beijing framed the exercises as a response to foreign backing of "Taiwan separatism" and criticized U.S. policy changes regarding Taiwan.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo condemned China as a "troublemaker," while President William Lai Ching-te reinforced Taiwan's stance, calling mainland China a "foreign hostile force" and tightening security measures against Chinese influence.

The Taiwan Strait remains a geopolitical flashpoint, with China opposing U.S. and foreign warships in the region. China also dismissed G7 criticism of its aggressive maritime actions. In response to growing military pressure, Taiwan has bolstered its defense with new U.S. weapon purchases and domestic military advancements.