Taipei and Washington say there is no justification for China launching additional military drills as “punishment” after Taiwan’s National Day celebrations.

China has no right to represent Taiwan, but the island is willing to work with Beijing to combat challenges like climate change, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday, striking both a firm and a conciliatory tone,

President Lai Ching- te took office in May, continuing the eight-year rule of the Democratic Progressive Party that rejects Beijing's stance that Taiwan is a part of China. Lai made the remarks on Taiwan's National Day.