Taiwan dispatched its army, navy and air force to the sea off its south coast after the Chinese military launched “live-fire” exercises, Taipei’s defence ministry has said.

China deployed 32 aircraft around Taiwan as part of a joint combat drill and announced “live-fire” exercises in an area about 40 nautical miles (NM) off the island, the ministry said in a statement.

Taiwan’s military responded by sending sea, air and land forces to “monitor, alert and respond appropriately”.

China’s People’s Liberation Army “has blatantly violated international norms by unilaterally designating a drill zone 40 NM off the coast of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, claiming to conduct live-fire exercises without prior warning,” the ministry said.

“This move not only caused a high degree of danger to the safety of international flights and vessels at sea, but is also a blatant provocation to regional security and stability.”

China has ramped up the deployment of fighter jets and warships around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty over the island – which Taipei rejects.

The ministry said that China’s move “is completely contrary to its repeated claims of ‘peaceful coexistence’ principles” and vowed to “continue our efforts in force buildup and readiness”.

Beijing’s foreign ministry declined to comment on Taiwan, saying that China has set up a drill zone for “shooting training”.

Chinese spokesman Lin Jian told reporters: “This is not a question on foreign affairs.”

China’s defence ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment from AFP.