China has started a two-day military exercise around Taiwan. The country has started this exercise by air and water to give ‘severe punishment’ to Taiwan. This information was reported in the online report of Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based media outlet, on Thursday, citing China’s state media.

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, China’s military’s Eastern Theater Command has started exercises in the Taiwan Strait, north, south and east of Taiwan since 7:45 a.m. local time on Thursday. Apart from this, China has also started exercises around Taiwan’s Kinmen, Matsu, Ukiyu and Dongin Islands.

Chinese military spokesman Li Xi said the army, navy, air force and rocket force participated in the joint exercise. This exercise is a severe punishment for carrying out separatist activities in the name of ‘Taiwan independence’. Apart from this, it is also a stern warning against interference and incitement by external forces.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said that Taiwan has put its forces on high alert after the start of Chinese military exercises. Taiwan has termed China’s actions as an unwarranted provocation and contrary to peace and stability in the region.

China claims Taiwan as its territory. It has been said by the country that it will take over Taiwan by force if necessary.