China has launched military exercises around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of key ports, striking naval targets and avoiding international "interference", in what it calls a warning to "separatist" forces in Taiwan, The Guardian reports.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) - the military wing of China's ruling Communist Party - said it had sent naval, air and missile forces to surround Taiwan on Monday morning. Chinese coast guard vessels were also sent to conduct "law enforcement inspections" in the sea around Taiwan's outlying islands.

The exercise, called "Justice Mission 2025," was "a stern warning to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and foreign intervention forces," said PLA Eastern Command spokesman Colonel Shi Yi.

"It is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity," Yi said.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry accused Beijing of escalating tensions and undermining regional peace on Monday morning. The ministry "strongly condemned" the activity, saying it had dispatched "appropriate forces" to respond and conduct its own combat readiness exercises.