News - Middle East: Russia says China has every right to conduct military drills around Taiwan and to respond to repeated provocations against Beijing.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday conducted the last day of its three-day aerial and naval exercises around Taiwan, including blockade maneuvers of the self-ruled island, which is viewed by China as an inseparable part of its territory.

The military drills, designed to flex Beijing's military muscles in front of Taiwan's secessionist government and its US-led Western backers, were launched in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's recent meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other American officials.

"In a very short period of time, you and I have witnessed repeated actions that have been provocative toward the People's Republic of China," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov at a press conference, adding everyone should respect China and its actions, which are in line with international law.

"And, of course, China has the sovereign right to respond to these provocative actions, including conducting military maneuvers in strict compliance with international law," he said.

China has sovereignty over Taiwan, and under the ‘One China’ policy, almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty. The United States has also recognized Chinese sovereignty over the island, but has long courted Taiwan in an attempt to unnerve Beijing.

The US, which backs Taiwan's secessionist president, also continues to sell weapons to the self-ruled island in defiance of Beijing and in violation of its own official policy. Washington is Taiwan’s main supplier of military equipment.

China has vowed to take Taiwan back one day, even by force if necessary.