Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Romeo Brawner told troops of Northern Luzon Command to prepare for a Taiwan invasion contingency, citing the repatriation of citizens and the “inevitability” of Manila’s involvement in a cross-strait conflict.

The Chinese military has conducted large-scale drills around Taiwan as it again warned the self-ruled island against seeking formal independence.

One analyst called China’s large-scale drills a “pre-invasion operation” as it ramps up attacks on Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, calling him a “parasite.”

China staged surprise military exercises in the sea and skies around Taiwan on Tuesday in what the People's Liberation Army said was a "stern warning" to the island's "separatist" government and those

Taiwan's defence minister dismissed on Friday China's complaints about a collision between a Taiwan navy ship and a Chinese trawler in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, vowing that Taipei would carry on military exercises undeterred.

The drills came after Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, announced measures to counter China’s influence and espionage. Beijing also wants to send a message to Washington, analysts said.

This does not mean that their appearance guarantees that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is imminent. At present there are reported to be three completed prototype landing barges ready for deployment and three under construction. This would offer one or two beach bridges, each an estimated 820 metres long.

Chinese military extended into second day a joint exercise involving its army, navy and rocket forces near the coast of Taiwan.

The Chinese military announced large-scale drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan that include an aircraft carrier battle group, as it again warned the self-ruled island democracy against seeking formal independence.