Beijing claims the self-governed democracy of 23 million people as part of its sovereign territory and has not ruled out seizing it through military action.

The latest large-scale show of force comes after weeks of tensions between China and Japan, started by comments suggesting Tokyo's potential support for Taiwan in the event of a future armed conflict.

It also follows the latest round of arms sales to Taipei from the United States, sparking an angry response from Beijing which slapped sanctions on 20 US defence firms last week.

"Starting from December 29, the PLA Eastern Theater Command is dispatching its Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force troops to conduct joint military drills code-named 'Justice Mission 2025'," said a statement from Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman of the force, using an acronym for China's military.

The activities will be focused on "sea-air combat readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, blockade on key ports and areas, as well as all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain", it said.

A separate statement with a map showed five large zones surrounding the island where "live firing activities will be organised" from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (0000 to 1000 GMT) on Tuesday.

"For the sake of safety, any irrelevant vessel or aircraft is advised not to enter the afore-mentioned waters and airspace," the statement said.

Taiwan's government did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

- 'Joint assaults' -

The drills are "a stern warning against 'Taiwan Independence' separatist forces, and... a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity", Shi said.

Plans involve vessels "approaching the Taiwan Island in close proximity from different directions", he said.

The "joint assaults" are intended to "test their joint operations capabilities", he added.

China's military last held large-scale drills involving live firing around Taiwan in April -- surprise manoeuvres condemned by Taipei.

The United States called them "intimidation tactics", and Britain warned they were "risking dangerous escalation".

Japan's new prime minister Sanae Takaichi said last month that the use of force against Taiwan could warrant a military response from Tokyo.

In response, China demanded that she retract her statement, summoned Tokyo's ambassador, and warned its citizens against travelling to Japan.

Beijing also said this month it would take "resolute and forceful measures" to safeguard its territory after Taiwan said the United States had given approval to sell the island $11 billion in arms.