In a significant move on Monday, China's coastguard vessels circled Taiwan and staged patrols close to Taiwan's offshore islands of Matsu and Dongyin, entering the "restricted waters" of Matsu island for the first time to "tear up" boundaries set by Taiwan authorities, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Scores of Chinese aircraft and dozens of ships surrounded Taiwan, after President Lai Ching-te rejected Beijing’s claim over the island.

China’s President Xi Jinping has made a rare visit to a province facing Taiwan, following military exercises mobilizing China’s navy, air force, missile force and land troops to simulate a blockade of