TaiwanBIZZ

"Any military conflict in the Taiwan Strait would inevitably affect the Philippines given the geographic proximity of Taiwan to the Philippine archipelago and the presence of over 150,000 Filipinos in Taiwan," the government said in the document. The Philippines' northernmost islands are 190 km (118 miles) away from Taiwan.

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Tuesday it has not seen large-scale drills or actions by the Chinese military near the island so far after China condemned a brief U.S. visit by Taiwan Vice President William Lai.

Taiwan will never back down in the face of growing threats from China, the island’s vice president and presidential hopeful said Sunday during a transit through the United States, defying Beijing’s condemnation of his trip.

Taiwan is one of the most prosperous places in the world. Its semiconductor industry produces 90% of the most advanced chips, making it integral to the global economy. The International Monetary Fund puts Taiwan’s per capita gross domestic product at almost $34,000, right behind Japan, ahead of South Korea and more than double China’s figure.

Taiwan will not be afraid nor back down in the face of authoritarian threats, the island's vice president told supporters on a U.S. visit that Beijing has condemned, while reiterating a willingness to talk to China.