Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has revealed that China is allegedly using Chinese IT and marketing companies to run large-scale disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing Taiwanese public opinion and weakening social cohesion, according to a report cited by the Central News Agency (CNA). In its analysis of the People's Republic of China's "cognitive warfare tactics against Taiwan in 2025," the NSB said Taiwan's intelligence system identified over 45,000 fake social media accounts and more than 2.314 million pieces of disinformation circulating online. According to the NSB, these efforts are part of a coordinated operation overseen by China's Central Publicity Department and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Chinese IT companies have reportedly built databases and developed automated systems to manage fake or bot-operated accounts, CNA reported. The report further noted that marketing firms such as Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya have been used to create fake news websites that promote Beijing-friendly narratives. Meanwhile, Beijing-backed Wubianjie Group has allegedly operated content farms through Facebook fan pages that initially post sensational entertainment-style content to attract followers before gradually shifting to political messaging intended to shape public perception. According to the NSB, China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda, CNA said. To counter such influence operations, the NSB stated it is strengthening cooperation with domestic government bodies, fact-checking organisations, and social media platforms to enhance transparency and remove false information. It also highlighted Taiwan's growing collaboration with the international community, noting that over the past year, it conducted more than 80 security dialogues and intelligence-sharing meetings with global democratic partners to jointly tackle China's cognitive warfare strategies, as cited by the CNA report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda.

Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has revealed that China is allegedly using Chinese IT and marketing companies to run large-scale disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing Taiwanese public opinion and weakening social cohesion, according to a report cited by the Central News Agency (CNA). In its analysis of the People's Republic of China's "cognitive warfare tactics against Taiwan in 2025," the NSB said Taiwan's intelligence system identified over 45,000 fake social media accounts and more than 2.314 million pieces of disinformation circulating online. According to the NSB, these efforts are part of a coordinated operation overseen by China's Central Publicity Department and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Chinese IT companies have reportedly built databases and developed automated systems to manage fake or bot-operated accounts, CNA reported. The report further noted that marketing firms such as Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya have been used to create fake news websites that promote Beijing-friendly narratives. Meanwhile, Beijing-backed Wubianjie Group has allegedly operated content farms through Facebook fan pages that initially post sensational entertainment-style content to attract followers before gradually shifting to political messaging intended to shape public perception. According to the NSB, China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda, CNA said. To counter such influence operations, the NSB stated it is strengthening cooperation with domestic government bodies, fact-checking organisations, and social media platforms to enhance transparency and remove false information. It also highlighted Taiwan's growing collaboration with the international community, noting that over the past year, it conducted more than 80 security dialogues and intelligence-sharing meetings with global democratic partners to jointly tackle China's cognitive warfare strategies, as cited by the CNA report. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda.

China uses fake news sites, bot networks for 'Cognitive Warfare': NSB

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over Taiwan on Friday, with Donald Trump's top diplomat denouncing Beijing's "coercive" moves.
Rubio, a longtime China hawk, spoke with Wang for the first time by telephone at the end of his first week in office, which he began by forming a united front with US partners in the region.
In the telephone call, Rubio told Wang that the second Trump administration will pursue a relationship with China "that advances US interests and puts the American people first," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.
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"The secretary also stressed the United States' commitment to our allies in the region and serious concern over China's coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea," she said.
Wang in turn cautioned Rubio over Taiwan, the self-governing democracy which China claims and has not ruled out seizing by force.
"We will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China," Wang told Rubio, adding that Washington "must not betray its promise" to recognize only one China, according to a readout by the Chinese foreign ministry.
Wang voiced hope to Rubio that the former American senator would "play a constructive role for the future of the Chinese and American people, and for world peace and stability," it said.
In their call, Wang told Rubio that the world's top two economies should work to find "the right way to get along in the new era" -- presumably referring to Trump's return to the US presidency. 
While Beijing had "no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone," it maintained its "legitimate right to development," he said.
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The Chinese minister said the pair should follow the lead of President Xi Jinping and Trump, who appeared to have a cordial telephone call.
<h2>Boosting Taiwan</h2>
The United States is a longtime supporter of Taiwan and its largest supplier of weapons, but does not formally recognize it diplomatically.
In his Senate confirmation hearing last week, Rubio vowed to ramp up support for Taiwan to achieve an "equilibrium" that would discourage China from an invasion.
Rubio suggested at the hearing that China could invade the island by the end of the decade unless the United States makes clear that "the costs of intervening in Taiwan are too high."
Rubio has cast China as the top threat to the United States and has accused the Asian power -- whose economy has skyrocketed in recent decades -- of "cheating" its way toward superpower status.
Rubio met immediately Tuesday after taking office with the foreign ministers of Japan, India and Australia -- the so-called Quad that China charges is an attempt to encircle it.
The four foreign ministers jointly warned against any "unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," in a clear reference to China.
Rubio also spoke by telephone with his counterparts from the Philippines and, on Friday, Vietnam.
With Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Rubio discussed China's "aggressive behavior in the South China Sea," the State Department said.
China has seen rising friction with Southeast Asian nations, especially the Philippines, as it asserts its claims in the strategic and dispute-rife waterway.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

World: Rubio, a longtime China hawk, spoke with Wang for the first time by telephone at the end of his first week in office, which he began by forming a united front with US partners in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over Taiwan on Friday, with Donald Trump's top diplomat denouncing Beijing's "coercive" moves. Rubio, a longtime China hawk, spoke with Wang for the first time by telephone at the end of his first week in office, which he began by forming a united front with US partners in the region. In the telephone call, Rubio told Wang that the second Trump administration will pursue a relationship with China "that advances US interests and puts the American people first," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. Also read: US anti-abortion crackdown: President Trump reinstates 'Mexico City Rule,' slashes abortion aid globally "The secretary also stressed the United States' commitment to our allies in the region and serious concern over China's coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea," she said. Wang in turn cautioned Rubio over Taiwan, the self-governing democracy which China claims and has not ruled out seizing by force. "We will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China," Wang told Rubio, adding that Washington "must not betray its promise" to recognize only one China, according to a readout by the Chinese foreign ministry. Wang voiced hope to Rubio that the former American senator would "play a constructive role for the future of the Chinese and American people, and for world peace and stability," it said. In their call, Wang told Rubio that the world's top two economies should work to find "the right way to get along in the new era" -- presumably referring to Trump's return to the US presidency. While Beijing had "no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone," it maintained its "legitimate right to development," he said. Also read: Mexico draws line on US deportation flights but vows to welcome back citizens 'with open arms' The Chinese minister said the pair should follow the lead of President Xi Jinping and Trump, who appeared to have a cordial telephone call. Boosting Taiwan The United States is a longtime supporter of Taiwan and its largest supplier of weapons, but does not formally recognize it diplomatically. In his Senate confirmation hearing last week, Rubio vowed to ramp up support for Taiwan to achieve an "equilibrium" that would discourage China from an invasion. Rubio suggested at the hearing that China could invade the island by the end of the decade unless the United States makes clear that "the costs of intervening in Taiwan are too high." Rubio has cast China as the top threat to the United States and has accused the Asian power -- whose economy has skyrocketed in recent decades -- of "cheating" its way toward superpower status. Rubio met immediately Tuesday after taking office with the foreign ministers of Japan, India and Australia -- the so-called Quad that China charges is an attempt to encircle it. The four foreign ministers jointly warned against any "unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," in a clear reference to China. Rubio also spoke by telephone with his counterparts from the Philippines and, on Friday, Vietnam. With Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Rubio discussed China's "aggressive behavior in the South China Sea," the State Department said. China has seen rising friction with Southeast Asian nations, especially the Philippines, as it asserts its claims in the strategic and dispute-rife waterway. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Marco Rubio clashes with China over Taiwan in first call as US Secretary of State

President Xi Jinping has asked China's military forces to focus on "strengthening the military training oriented towards actual combat", the nation's state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday (April 12).&nbsp;

The report mentioned that Xi's comments were made during his naval inspection trip on Tuesday. The visit took place hours after the military drills by China's People's Liberation Army in region around Taiwan.&nbsp;

The military drills were launched in the aftermath of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States, which angered China. During the visit, Tsai also met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.&nbsp;

The state broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi on Tuesday told the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command Navy that the military must "resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and strive to protect overall peripheral stability".&nbsp;

Beijing has also criticised a plan for US forces to use a growing number of bases in the Philippines, including one near Taiwan.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea FIRES ballistic missile into seas between Japan and South Korea&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) mentioned that China has come up with new rules for the recruitment of soldiers in wartime.&nbsp;

The report noted that veterans have been listed as a priority, which according to military analysts means that it is an enhancement of PLA combat readiness for a war over Taiwan.&nbsp;

Amid simmering tensions in the South China Sea, Xi said that China must be "innovative in its concepts and methods of combat".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said committed to "standing with the Philippines against any intimidation or coercion, including in the South China Sea". The US and the Philippines are holding their largest-ever joint military drills this week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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President Xi Jinping has asked China's military forces to focus on "strengthening the military training oriented towards actual combat", the nation's state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday (April 12).

President Xi Jinping has asked China's military forces to focus on "strengthening the military training oriented towards actual combat", the nation's state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday (April 12). The report mentioned that Xi's comments were made during his naval inspection trip on Tuesday. The visit took place hours after the military drills by China's People's Liberation Army in region around Taiwan. The military drills were launched in the aftermath of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States, which angered China. During the visit, Tsai also met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The state broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi on Tuesday told the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command Navy that the military must "resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and strive to protect overall peripheral stability". Beijing has also criticised a plan for US forces to use a growing number of bases in the Philippines, including one near Taiwan. WATCH | North Korea FIRES ballistic missile into seas between Japan and South Korea × Meanwhile, a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) mentioned that China has come up with new rules for the recruitment of soldiers in wartime. The report noted that veterans have been listed as a priority, which according to military analysts means that it is an enhancement of PLA combat readiness for a war over Taiwan. Amid simmering tensions in the South China Sea, Xi said that China must be "innovative in its concepts and methods of combat". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said committed to "standing with the Philippines against any intimidation or coercion, including in the South China Sea". The US and the Philippines are holding their largest-ever joint military drills this week. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid Taiwan tensions, Xi Jinping ask Chinese troops to strengthen training for ‘actual combat’

China, early Saturday (April 8), announced that it was launching a three-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, “United Sharp Sword” would begin on April 8 and end on April 10 for “combat preparedness.”&nbsp;

The announcement, in the backdrop of the recent escalation in tensions between Beijing and Taipei, took many by surprise but it has not had a similar effect on the residents of either China or Taiwan.&nbsp;

Military drills in Taiwan Strait

After China’s announcement, its fighter jets briefly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait as they began drills around Taiwan. This comes after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met United States House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other officials during her visit to the U.S., which Beijing has since condemned.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-announces-three-days-of-military-drills-in-taiwan-strait-580297">Taiwan detects 8 Chinese warships, 42 fighter jets around island as Beijing launches military drills</a>

China’s anger at the visit largely stems from its claims that the democratically governed Taiwan is its territory and threatens&nbsp;to use force to bring the island under its control. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government contests China’s claims.&nbsp;

In line with this, the Chinese army’s Eastern Theater Command said that the drills are a “serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces’ collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said it was monitoring the drills and would respond appropriately to defend the island’s security and released a video message, emphasising they would monitor the situation without escalating tensions. The video shows Taiwan’s army, navy and air force conducting drills and monitoring China’s movements.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stern-warning-chinas-wargames-after-meeting-between-us-house-speaker-and-taiwan-president-580364">'Stern warning': China's wargames after meeting between U.S. House Speaker and Taiwan President</a>

Taiwan’s president, who was in the midst of hosting a US lawmakers' delegation, led by Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that the people of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace. She added that it would strengthen security cooperation with the US without directly mentioning the drills in her televised address.&nbsp;

Chinese citizens largely in favour of reunifying Taiwan with mainland

A report by Reuters after speaking to citizens in Beijing said that while people are largely in support of the military drills around Taiwan, some are also worried about how it will affect their business. “Military exercises are what we should do…let's take Taiwan with military force,” said Wang, 35, who only provided his last name.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 39-year-old Zhou told the news agency, that she was a “bit worried” as her work involves international trade with the main markets being the United States and Canada and many others who work in similar fields are concerned about how escalating tensions would impact their jobs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-military-drills-near-taiwan-live-updates-china-launches-three-day-military-drills-after-tsai-us-speaker-meeting-580333">China military drills near Taiwan highlights: Chinese planes briefly cross Taiwan Strait median line</a>

On the other hand, Chinese tourists on an island near Taiwan were largely unaware and least bothered by Beijing’s military drill launch in the strait beyond, reported the news agency AFP. The tourists at the time were present along the coast of Pingtan, a scenic isle that is the closest point on the mainland to Taiwan.&nbsp;

“I saw the news, but it’s not going to stop our plans for today,” a 30-year-old visitor named Wu told AFP. He added, “Relations with Taiwan aren't great at the moment, but they’re stable. We hope for peaceful reunification.”&nbsp;

Similarly, another man named Lin said that the drills were just “a few preventive measures being taken by the government,” and hoped that China and Taiwan would reunify someday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-announces-military-drills-around-taiwan-after-tsai-mccarthy-meet-580328">China announces military drills around Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet</a>

“The drills are just a way to show our national strength, after all. Our government's response to Tsai's visit to the U.S. is quite strong - &nbsp;took her down a couple of notches and restored people's confidence for us to reclaim Taiwan,” Chen, a 25-year-old college student from Guangdong province visiting Pingtan island, told Reuters. Chen also expressed hope that China can reclaim Taiwan in a “peaceful” way.

Taiwan remains calm amid military drills

There was no broader sense of alarm in Taiwan about the military drills as people have long been accustomed to Chinese threats, reported Reuters, citing a senior Taiwan official familiar with security planning in the region who spoke to the news agency on the condition of anonymity. The official said that the situation was “as expected” and manageable and the Taiwanese government has rehearsed various scenarios for its response.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sanctions-reagan-library-stations-warship-aircraft-near-taiwan-after-tsai-mccarthy-meet-580207">China sanctions Reagan library, stations warship, aircraft near Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet</a>

“I have seen the news (about the China drills), when there were things like this in the past, before the war in Ukraine, I always just thought it’s how things are. Even now&nbsp;I don’t totally think that these drills will create security concerns for us, but everything that they (China) do, is to push the limits,” Lu Chi-hao, 30, told Reuters.&nbsp;

This comes as China’s amphibious landing ship — capable of transporting troops, craft and vehicles — fired multiple rounds of artillery early Saturday in the Luoyan Bay area on the coast of Fujian province.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-imposes-sanctions-on-taiwans-de-facto-ambassador-to-us-after-tsai-mccarthy-meet-579964">China imposes sanctions on Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to US after Tsai-McCarthy meet</a>

“We are already numb to it, because they have really said this (unification) for a long time. But I think, since we still have to go on with our lives, us Taiwanese have to remain calm,” a 25-year-old social media influencer named Johhny Lin told Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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China, early Saturday (April 8), announced that it was launching a three-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, “United Sharp Sword” would begin on April 8 and end on April 10 for “combat preparedness.

China, early Saturday (April 8), announced that it was launching a three-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait. According to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, “United Sharp Sword” would begin on April 8 and end on April 10 for “combat preparedness.” The announcement, in the backdrop of the recent escalation in tensions between Beijing and Taipei, took many by surprise but it has not had a similar effect on the residents of either China or Taiwan. Military drills in Taiwan Strait After China’s announcement, its fighter jets briefly crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait as they began drills around Taiwan. This comes after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met United States House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other officials during her visit to the U.S., which Beijing has since condemned. ALSO READ | Taiwan detects 8 Chinese warships, 42 fighter jets around island as Beijing launches military drills China’s anger at the visit largely stems from its claims that the democratically governed Taiwan is its territory and threatens to use force to bring the island under its control. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government contests China’s claims. In line with this, the Chinese army’s Eastern Theater Command said that the drills are a “serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces’ collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said it was monitoring the drills and would respond appropriately to defend the island’s security and released a video message, emphasising they would monitor the situation without escalating tensions. The video shows Taiwan’s army, navy and air force conducting drills and monitoring China’s movements. ALSO WATCH | 'Stern warning': China's wargames after meeting between U.S. House Speaker and Taiwan President Taiwan’s president, who was in the midst of hosting a US lawmakers' delegation, led by Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that the people of Taiwan love democracy and seek peace. She added that it would strengthen security cooperation with the US without directly mentioning the drills in her televised address. Chinese citizens largely in favour of reunifying Taiwan with mainland A report by Reuters after speaking to citizens in Beijing said that while people are largely in support of the military drills around Taiwan, some are also worried about how it will affect their business. “Military exercises are what we should do…let's take Taiwan with military force,” said Wang, 35, who only provided his last name. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Zhou told the news agency, that she was a “bit worried” as her work involves international trade with the main markets being the United States and Canada and many others who work in similar fields are concerned about how escalating tensions would impact their jobs. ALSO READ | China military drills near Taiwan highlights: Chinese planes briefly cross Taiwan Strait median line On the other hand, Chinese tourists on an island near Taiwan were largely unaware and least bothered by Beijing’s military drill launch in the strait beyond, reported the news agency AFP. The tourists at the time were present along the coast of Pingtan, a scenic isle that is the closest point on the mainland to Taiwan. “I saw the news, but it’s not going to stop our plans for today,” a 30-year-old visitor named Wu told AFP. He added, “Relations with Taiwan aren't great at the moment, but they’re stable. We hope for peaceful reunification.” Similarly, another man named Lin said that the drills were just “a few preventive measures being taken by the government,” and hoped that China and Taiwan would reunify someday. ALSO WATCH | China announces military drills around Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet “The drills are just a way to show our national strength, after all. Our government's response to Tsai's visit to the U.S. is quite strong - took her down a couple of notches and restored people's confidence for us to reclaim Taiwan,” Chen, a 25-year-old college student from Guangdong province visiting Pingtan island, told Reuters. Chen also expressed hope that China can reclaim Taiwan in a “peaceful” way. Taiwan remains calm amid military drills There was no broader sense of alarm in Taiwan about the military drills as people have long been accustomed to Chinese threats, reported Reuters, citing a senior Taiwan official familiar with security planning in the region who spoke to the news agency on the condition of anonymity. The official said that the situation was “as expected” and manageable and the Taiwanese government has rehearsed various scenarios for its response. ALSO READ | China sanctions Reagan library, stations warship, aircraft near Taiwan after Tsai-McCarthy meet “I have seen the news (about the China drills), when there were things like this in the past, before the war in Ukraine, I always just thought it’s how things are. Even now I don’t totally think that these drills will create security concerns for us, but everything that they (China) do, is to push the limits,” Lu Chi-hao, 30, told Reuters. This comes as China’s amphibious landing ship — capable of transporting troops, craft and vehicles — fired multiple rounds of artillery early Saturday in the Luoyan Bay area on the coast of Fujian province. ALSO READ | China imposes sanctions on Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to US after Tsai-McCarthy meet “We are already numb to it, because they have really said this (unification) for a long time. But I think, since we still have to go on with our lives, us Taiwanese have to remain calm,” a 25-year-old social media influencer named Johhny Lin told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How people in Beijing and Taipei have reacted to China’s military drills

Taiwan's defence minister said on Thursday that the People's Liberation Army has&nbsp;mounted thousands of incursions into the island’s defense zone this year&nbsp;due to which it&nbsp;has exhausted 8 per cent of its defence budget.

Mainland China’s repeated military incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone are meant to drain the island’s air force and establish the PLA as a regular presence in the area.

China, which claims democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own territory, has stepped up its military activity near the island, responding to what it&nbsp;calls "collusion" between&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-china-against-any-attempt-to-take-taiwan-by-force-333453">US warns China against any attempt to take Taiwan by force</a>

Earlier, the United States&nbsp;national security adviser on Wednesday cautioned China&nbsp;against any attempt to take Taiwan by force.

He reminded China that the United States is required by law to provide&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;with the means to defend itself and pointed out any attempt an ''amphibious landing'' would be problematic due to&nbsp;to the 100-mile (160-km) distance between the countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-has-spent-almost-900-million-scrambling-against-china-this-year-333087">Taiwan says has spent almost $900 million scrambling against China this year</a>

China has been angered at increased US&nbsp;support for&nbsp;Taiwan, including visits by senior US&nbsp;government officials and ramped up arms sales.

In the past few weeks, Chinese fighter jets have crossed the mid line of the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait, which normally serves as an unofficial buffer zone, and flown multiple missions into&nbsp;Taiwan's southwestern air defence identification zone.

Speaking at parliament,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Defence Minister Yen De-fa said to the air force had scrambled 2,972 times against Chinese aircraft this year at a cost of T$25.5 billion ($886.49 million).

"Recently the pressure has been great. To say otherwise would be deceiving people," Yen said, without giving a comparison figure for last year.

He clarified that a figure of 4,132 air force missions this year, as provided in a ministry parliamentary briefing paper, included training and regular patrol missions.

Yen said that the armed forces would this month carry out their own drills off&nbsp;Taiwan's southwest coast, though they would not be live fire.

Taiwan's armed forces are well-trained and well-equipped but are dwarfed by those of China's, and&nbsp;Taiwan's Defence Ministry has previously acknowledged the strain the repeated Chinese drills were placing on them.

Taiwan&nbsp;is in the process of revamping its fighter fleet.

The United States last year approved an $8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to&nbsp;Taiwan, a deal that would bring the island's total number of the aircraft to more than 200, the largest F-16 fleet in Asia.

Taiwan's defence minister said on Thursday that the People's Liberation Army has mounted thousands of incursions into the island’s defense zone this year due to which it has exhausted 8 per cent of its defence budget.

Taiwan's defence minister said on Thursday that the People's Liberation Army has mounted thousands of incursions into the island’s defense zone this year due to which it has exhausted 8 per cent of its defence budget. Mainland China’s repeated military incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone are meant to drain the island’s air force and establish the PLA as a regular presence in the area. China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up its military activity near the island, responding to what it calls "collusion" between Taiwan and the United States. Also read: US warns China against any attempt to take Taiwan by force Earlier, the United States national security adviser on Wednesday cautioned China against any attempt to take Taiwan by force. He reminded China that the United States is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and pointed out any attempt an ''amphibious landing'' would be problematic due to to the 100-mile (160-km) distance between the countries. Also read: Taiwan says has spent almost $900 million scrambling against China this year China has been angered at increased US support for Taiwan, including visits by senior US government officials and ramped up arms sales. In the past few weeks, Chinese fighter jets have crossed the mid line of the Taiwan Strait, which normally serves as an unofficial buffer zone, and flown multiple missions into Taiwan's southwestern air defence identification zone. Speaking at parliament, Taiwan Defence Minister Yen De-fa said to the air force had scrambled 2,972 times against Chinese aircraft this year at a cost of T$25.5 billion ($886.49 million). "Recently the pressure has been great. To say otherwise would be deceiving people," Yen said, without giving a comparison figure for last year. He clarified that a figure of 4,132 air force missions this year, as provided in a ministry parliamentary briefing paper, included training and regular patrol missions. Yen said that the armed forces would this month carry out their own drills off Taiwan's southwest coast, though they would not be live fire. Taiwan's armed forces are well-trained and well-equipped but are dwarfed by those of China's, and Taiwan's Defence Ministry has previously acknowledged the strain the repeated Chinese drills were placing on them. Taiwan is in the process of revamping its fighter fleet. The United States last year approved an $8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, a deal that would bring the island's total number of the aircraft to more than 200, the largest F-16 fleet in Asia.

China is trying to wear out Taiwan's Air Force by incursions, says defence minister

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China is trying to wear out Taiwan's Air Force by incursions, says defence minister