China staged a major military exercise around Taiwan on Monday, issuing a “serious warning” to the “separatist” forces of the island amid soaring tensions in the region. 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. A spokesman for the Chinese military said in a statement that the army was practicing blocking important ports and areas and to gain “comprehensive control.” The Chinese coastguard also said it would carry out inspections in the waters around Taiwan. …