Taiwan has announced that it will exercise its right to self-defense and launch a “counterattack” if Chinese troops enter its territory as Beijing intensifies its military operations near the democratically ruled island.

Beijing, which claims Taiwan is part of its territory, held military exercises around the island this month in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei.

Taiwan Defense Ministry officials said Chinese “high-intensity” military patrols near Taiwan continue and that Beijing’s intention to turn the Taiwan Strait separating the two sides into an “inland sea” would be a major source of instability. in the region.

“For planes and ships that enter our 12-mile space, the national army will exercise the right of self-defense and counterattack without exception,” said Lin Wenhuang, deputy chief of the General Staff for operations and planning. briefing.

This month, Taiwan offered to boost defense spending, including money for new warplanes, after weeks of Chinese exercises that included missile launches over its capital, Taipei.

The Taiwanese forces are well equipped, but marginally compared to their Chinese counterparts. President Tsai Ing-wen oversees the development program and has made increasing defense spending one of her priorities.