Taipei’s warning comes after China bolstered its military pressure and conducted a series of military exercises around the self-governing island mega dm ever since tensions between Beijing and Taipei escalated in early August. The escalation was prompted by the visit to Taiwan of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, against repeated protests from the Chinese government.

Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949 but has never officially gained independence from China. Beijing considers the island a part of its territory under the One-China policy. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated China’s resolve to ensure a peaceful “reunification” with the island, but has not excluded a military solution to the issue.