China holds fresh drills around Taiwan to warn against 'independence'

Why China is conducting military drills – in its own wordspublished at 03:15 British Summer Time03:15 BSTThe Chinese military confirmed these drills were being carried out around five hours ago in a statement shared on social media and elsewhere.It gives some insight into why and how the exercises are taking place from the perspective of the government in Beijing. The statement says the drills involve the army, navy, air force, rockets force and others. We’ve since learned the Chinese coastguard is also taking part.It says ships and aircraft “approached… from multiple directions” and “conducted joint assaults”. The exercises are focused on combat readiness, blockades of key ports and areas, sea and land strikes, and “seizing comprehensive control rights”, the statement continues.The Chinese military described the drills as a “strong deterrent to the separatist forces” and a “legitimate and necessary action to defend national sovereignty and maintain national unity”.Remember, the…