China began military exercises around Taiwan today, Saturday, August 19, 2023, which it considered a "serious warning" following the brief visit of William Lai, the island's vice president, to the United States.

Lai, who is the leading candidate in next year's Taiwanese presidential elections, stopped in New York during his trip to Paraguay, one of the few countries that maintains diplomatic relations with Taipei, before stopping again in San Francisco on the way back.

China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to reclaim it, even by force, described William Lai as a "troublemaker" and pledged to take firm and strong actions to protect national sovereignty.

The official Xinhua News Agency quoted military spokesperson Shi Yi as saying that "joint air and naval patrols and military exercises for naval and air forces around Taiwan Island were launched today, Saturday."

The agency added that the exercises aim to test the People's Liberation Army's ability to "control air and maritime domains" and to fight "under real combat conditions."

The statement also noted that the exercises are intended to serve as a "serious warning to the collusion of Taiwanese separatists demanding independence with foreign elements and their provocations."

Taiwan strongly condemned "such irrational and provocative behavior," adding that it will send "appropriate forces" in response.

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense stated in a statement that "conducting military maneuvers does not contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and also highlights the Chinese military mentality and the dominant nature of its military expansion."

Last year, China conducted extensive military exercises after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan and also after President Tsai Ing-wen met with senior U.S. lawmakers during her travel across the United States.