China has imposed export controls on eight companies tied to Taiwan’s military as the self-ruled island began annual military exercises.

Taiwan's annual military exercise, Han Kuang, begins on Wednesday as the island ramps up its defence against a possible invasion from China. Billed as the largest and longest one so far, this year's Han Kuang will last for about 10 days, about twice the duration of last year's drill.

China placed eight Taiwanese suppliers of military equipment on an export control list, a move that’s likely to have a limited impact on the armed forces of the self-run democracy.