Beijing slammed on Wednesday countries including Japan and Australia for their “irresponsible” criticism of China’s military drills in waters around Taiwan.China launched missiles and deployed dozens of fighter jets, navy ships and coastguard vessels around the island on Monday and Tuesday in live-fire drills.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.There has been a chorus of international criticism of China’s drills, including from Japan, Australia and European countries.Japan said Wednesday that China’s exercises “increase tensions” across the Taiwan Strait, while Australia’s foreign ministry condemned the “destabilizing” military drills.The European Union on Tuesday said the military activity “endangers international peace and stability”.Beijing on Wednesday hit back at the remarks.“These countries and institutions are turning a blind eye to the separatist forces in Taiwan attempting to achieve independence through military means,” foreign