The latest news on China and Taiwan. Taiwan is set to launch military and civil defence exercises next week, simulating a full-scale blockade and invasion from China, as their president warned on Tuesday the island is already facing China's "war without gun smoke".
"However, there is no need to worry because Taiwan is the result of the Taiwanese people's courage, conviction, and action in fighting their way through challenges, and the unity and resilience of the Taiwanese people has been demonstrated," he added.
The ten-day operation, the most extensive of its kind so far, reflects growing concerns over sustained pressure from Beijing. President Lai Ching-te has warned that the island is already facing a new form of warfare, marked by disinformation and cyber intrusion.