China warns ‘external forces’ after launching live-fire drills around Taiwan

China on Monday warned “external forces” against backing Taiwan after launching live-fire military drills around the island, which Beijing said were aimed at simulating a blockade of key ports.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-governed island under its control.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular briefing that any attempt to obstruct China’s unification with Taiwan was “doomed to fail.”

The warning came days after the United States, Taiwan’s main security partner, approved a fresh round of arms sales to Taipei.

“External forces attempting to use Taiwan to contain China and arm Taiwan will only embolden pro-independence forces and push the Taiwan Strait into a dangerous situation,” Lin said, adding that efforts to block reunification would not succeed.

The drills underscore rising tensions in the region amid growing military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan.