An H-6K bomber flies in formation with two J-10 fighter jets. (Photo by Xinhua)

China says several of its fighter jets and strategic bombers flew near Taiwan`s airspace, ahead of President Xi Jinping`s meeting with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, scheduled on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference.

The official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported late on Sunday, "Several J-10 fighter jets flew in combat formation to a designated target airspace, and multiple H-6K bombers went to the waters and airspace around Taiwan island to carry out simulated confrontation drills."

The report added that units from the Eastern Theater Command conducted combat-oriented training to test their capabilities in areas such as air blockades and precision strikes.

Xinhua said the exercises were intended to defend national sovereignty and "safeguard the peace and happiness of hundreds of millions of people."

The H-6K is a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Taiwan deploys its own combat aircraft and warships into the skies and waters around the self-ruled island daily.

China`s fourth-highest-ranked Politburo member, Wang Huning, said on Saturday that China and Taiwan should work to achieve "peaceful reunification."

However, Wang, who was speaking at an event in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the island`s "restoration" to Chinese rule, added that China would not tolerate any activities promoting the island`s independence.

He also said China will take the lead in sharing the fruits of its development and progress with Taiwan`s people.

Trump and Xi are expected to meet on the sidelines of APEC in Gyeongju in South Korea this week to discuss their ongoing trade dispute.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Taiwan should not be concerned about the negotiations. He added that the US will not abandon its long-standing support for the island in negotiations with China to reach a trade agreement.

Beijing has sovereignty over Taiwan, and under the "One China" policy, almost all countries recognize that sovereignty, meaning they do not establish diplomatic contact with the island`s secessionist government.

The US, too, claims commitment to that principle, but in violation of its own stated policy, and in an attempt to antagonize Beijing, has courted the secessionist government in Taiwan, supporting its anti-China stance and supplying it with a large cache of weaponry.

Beijing has often emphasized that the issue of the self-ruled island is a red line for the government and people of China and must not be crossed.