Taiwan is in a complicated position in the relationship between China and the U.S., one that is already fraught over issues such as trade, technology transfers and human rights. Beijing has pledged to bring Taiwan under its control someday, by force if needed.

In some of his strongest rhetoric yet amid worsening cross-strait ties, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te has labelled China a "foreign hostile force". He said Taiwan had "no choice but to take even more proactive measures" as a result,

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te says tougher measures are needed to counter stepped-up Chinese infiltration, spying and other efforts to weaken the island’s defenses