China has stepped up its navy actions round Taiwan lately, together with nearly day by day air pressure incursions into the island’s air defence identification zone.

However, Taiwan has not reported any incident of Chinese forces coming into its contiguous zone, which is 24 nautical miles (44.4 km) from its coast. But it has shot down a civilian drone that entered its airspace close to an islet off the Chinese coast final yr.

Answering questions from lawmakers in parliament, Chiu mentioned the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may discover excuses to enter areas near Taiwan’s territorial air and sea house because the island steps up its navy exchanges with the United States, to Beijing’s ire.

He mentioned the PLA may make a “sudden entry” into Taiwan’s contiguous zone and get near its territorial house, which the island defines as 12 nautical miles from its coast.

“(I) specifically make these comments this year, meaning they are making such preparations,” Chiu mentioned. “Looking forward, they would use force if they really have to.”

Taiwan has vowed to train its proper to self-defence and counter-attack if Chinese armed forces entered its territory.

China final yr staged unprecedented navy workouts round Taiwan in response to a go to to the island by then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Chiu mentioned China was seeking to “make trouble under a certain pretext”, including that may embrace visits to the island made by senior international authorities officers or Taiwan’s frequent navy contacts with different international locations.

When requested by a lawmaker if the United States was planning to retailer a few of its navy gear in Taiwan, Chiu mentioned such discussions had been happening however he declined to elaborate.

The United States is Taiwan’s most essential worldwide arms provider and the growing US help for the democratic island has added to rigidity in already strained US-Sino relations.

Chiu mentioned the PLA sends about 10 planes or ships to areas close to Taiwan a day. Some cross the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which has historically served as an unofficial buffer, on an nearly day by day foundation, he mentioned.

Chiu mentioned since China has deserted a tacit settlement on navy actions within the Strait, Taiwan has made preparations to “fire the first shot” if Chinese entities, together with drones or balloons, enter its territorial house.

China claims self-governed Taiwan as its personal and has not renounced using pressure to convey it underneath Chinese management, if wanted. Taiwan strongly rejects China’s sovereignty claims and says solely its individuals can resolve their future.