China has launched military exercises around Taiwan, describing them as a warning to “separatist forces” and referring to the self-governing island’s president as a parasite. The drills, which included army, navy, air and rocket forces and the coastguard, took place in the northern, southern and eastern waters around Taiwan.

The Chinese military staged a second day of exercises around Taiwan on Wednesday, launching live-fire strikes in the East China Sea and practicing blockade operations near crucial shipping lanes to the east and west of the island.

Britain on Wednesday joined the U.S., European Union and Japan in expressing concern over Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, calling for restraint and to avoid actions that undermine peace in the region.