Beijing has watched with growing alarm the ever-closer relationship between Taipei and Washington.

Canada has sailed a warship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, the Canadian government said, three months after a similar operation and amid strained ties between Beijing and Ottawa.

China’s threat of force against Taiwan has raised concerns that it might one day invade the island and that the U.S. might have to step in.

Taiwan Premier William Lai and his cabinet are stepping down following a major election defeat to the China-friendly opposition party.

Taiwan plans to hold a series of newly-designed military drills in the wake of Chinese President Xi Jinping's threat to take over the island.