China has begun a major military exercise around Taiwan, which the military in Beijing called a “serious warning” to the “separatist” forces of the island. Ships and aircraft approached from several directions. The state broadcaster CCTV published a map showing six large red areas around Taiwan where the exercises were taking place. There had already been reports in recent days that China might be holding a manoeuvre in response to a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te October 10, Taiwan’s national day. In his speech, Lai said that he would vow to resist any moves towards annexation or …