TAIPEI, Taiwan — The Chinese military announced large-scale drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan on Tuesday that include an aircraft carrier battle group, as it again warned the self-ruled island democracy against seeking formal independence.

China's launches drills around Taiwan to "severely punish" the island's pro-independence leader, as the U.S. boosts its war footing in Japan to deter Chinese "aggression."

The Taiwanese air force is operating a fleet of the upgraded F-16A/B fighter jets, which has been actively defending the country's airspace by intercepting Chinese combat jets that approach the island, including unmanned aircraft and carrier-based fighter jets.

While Taiwan spending 10 percent of its GDP on military spending is likely unrealistic, especially given total government spending only stands at 13.7 percent, it must still increase military funding, she said.