`The Chinese Army’s (PLA) Eastern Theater Command is conducting military exercises near the Taiwan Strait starting from September 18,` said Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesman Ren Guoqiang.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said that this is a `necessary and appropriate` action to respond to the current situation in the Taiwan Strait and `protect sovereignty and territorial integrity`.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group exercises near Taiwan in 2018. Photo: Reuters.

The statement was made by Mr. Ren in the context that US Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Keith Krach today began visiting Taiwan, a move that could increase tensions between Beijing and Washington, which have already been heightened.

`The US and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan have recently increased their collusion, often causing uproar,` Mr. Ren said, at the same time saying that Taiwan is completely China’s internal matter and not

He said that `taking advantage of Taiwan to control China or `relying on foreign countries` to demand independence is just an illusion and will `come to a dead end`. `Those who play with knives will one day cut their hands.`

The Taiwanese government has not commented on these statements by Mr. Ren.

Four unnamed US officials said on September 16 that the country is planning to transfer 7 important weapons systems at the same time, including mines, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory awaiting reunification and is ready to use force if necessary.

Beijing has held at least 11 drills since July, some involving live fire, in various waters including the East and South China Seas, as well as near the island of Taiwan.

The Chinese military last week conducted a large-scale two-day exercise with the participation of many air forces and navy in the southwest of the island of Taiwan.

The Taiwan Strait is located between the island of Taiwan and mainland China.

Spokesman of the Chinese government office on Taiwan affairs Ma Xiaoguang affirmed that the Chinese military’s recent combat training activities are `necessary actions in the current security situation in the Strait.`