Beijing has repeatedly accused the Philippines of being in a pawn in U.S. efforts to contain China's rise and touted bilateral dialogue with its neighbor as the only solution to their territorial dispute.

China has imposed export controls on eight companies tied to Taiwan’s military as the self-ruled island began annual military exercises.

Taiwan launched its largest ever military drills on Wednesday, starting with simulated attacks on its command systems and infrastructure ahead of a Chinese invasion, senior defence officials said.

With Beijing likely to rely on asymmetric capabilities rather than landing soldiers to invade, America can help siege-proof the island democracy.

Beijing has declared Taiwan as an "inalienable" part of China, whereas Taipei has long asserted its independence.

If Beijing moves against Taiwan, NATO might soon find itself in a two-front war with China and Russia — or so the alliance's secretary general believes. "If Xi Jinping would attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to his very junior partner in all of this,