Dhaka, March 18 -- A significant number of Chinese military aircraft, ships, and drones operated near Taiwan between Sunday and Monday, according to the island's Defense Ministry.

China described the exercises as a reaction to recent statements and actions by both the United States and Taiwan. Although Beijing conducts such operations regularly to pressure Taiwan's defenses and morale, the majority of the island's 23 million residents reject China's sovereignty claims over Taiwan.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo told lawmakers that the drills underscored China's role as a "troublemaker" threatening regional stability.

On Tuesday, Taiwan's Defense Ministry shared images of Chinese military assets on social media, noting that 4...