China has launched a series of intense military exercises around Taiwan, sending a strong message against what it calls “separatist forces.” Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that in a single day, 43 Chinese military ships and drones entered its air defense identification zone (ADIZ).

Beijing said the drills were in response to recent statements and actions by the U.S. and others regarding the self-governing island it claims sovereignty over.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry says an unusually large number of Chinese military ships, planes and drones entered the airspace and waters surrounding the self-governing island between Sunday and Monday.