China launched military drills Thursday in the waters surrounding Taiwan.

It referred to the drills as a "strong punishment" after Taiwan's new president pledged to defend its sovereignty, the New York Times reported.

Taiwan scrambled jets and put missile, naval and land units on alert in response, the Associated Press reported.

The Chinese military said the drills were meant to test its navy and air capabilities and their ability to hit targets and win control of the battlefield.

China claims the island is part of its national territory but the Taiwan people firmly back their de facto independence.

Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te called for Beijing to stop what he called its military intimidation during his inauguration this week.

He vowed to keep Taiwan's democracy safe from China.

As part of the drills, 15 Chinese navy vessels, 16 Chinese coast guard vessels and 42 Chinese military aircraft were detected, the Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported.

"Facing external challenges and threats, we will continue to maintain the values of freedom and democracy," Lai said Thursday as he visited a marine base south of the capital of Taipei.

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Stephen Sklenka, the deputy commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, called on Asia-Pacific nations to condemn China's military exercises.

"It's one thing when the United States condemns the Chinese, but it has a far more powerful effect, I believe, when it comes from nations within this region," Sklenka told the Australian press association.