According to Taiwan’s defence minister, China will be able to launch a “full-scale” invasion by 2025. Chiu Kuo-cheng made the remarks in response to the prospect of Chinese jets routinely flying into Taiwanese airspace. China will reduce cost and attrition to their lowest levels by 2025, he claims.

He warned lawmakers that “misfire” could occur over the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is considered a breakaway province by China, which has threatened to take it by force if necessary. Tensions between China and Taiwan have risen in recent months.

Vice President Joe Biden of the United States says he has pledged to follow the Taiwan accord, which refers to the One-China policy. As China celebrated its National Day last week, at least 150 Chinese jets flew into Taiwan’s air defence zone. The situation, according to Taiwan’s defence minister, is “very dangerous.”