The drills are an early test for the Lai presidency, although Taiwan has long been subjected to sustained Chinese military and economic coercion tactics.

In a defining speech on Monday setting the tone for his administration, Mr Lai told China to cease military and political intimidation of his country and respect its democracy.

Taiwan’s defence ministry condemned the drills as “irrational provocation that has jeopardised regional peace and stability” and said it had put its forces on alert to protect its territory.

In a statement, the ministry urged citizens to “stand united” and added: “We seek no conflicts, but we will not shy away from one. We have the capacity, determination and confidence to safeguard our national security.”

The PLA said the drills serve as “strong punishment for the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces” and as a warning against “interference”, in reference to Western support for Taiwan.

Mr Lai, of the Democratic Progressive Party, was elected in January in a poll that Beijing portrayed as a choice between war and peace.