Within that framework, a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan has become the scenario most often cited as the likeliest flashpoint for a military confrontation between the two superpowers. In Washington,

Taiwan has begun deploying its newest and most precise strike weapons, high calibre rockets from the United States, as part of its annual live-fire drills to increase the island’s ability to counter potential attacks from China.

Gen. Ronald Clark, the commander of U.S. Army Pacific, said a recent symposium that the chances are slim that Chinese forces could successfully mount a strait crossing on the scale needed to invade Taiwan.

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

Taiwan launches 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. The early stages of the annual Han Kuang exercises will focus on testing how Taiwan’s military can decentralise command in the event of a crippling communications attack.

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

Australia must prepare. China attacking Taiwan is not inevitable, but if it happens, it will become a wide-ranging Indo-Pacific conflict.

DRAMATIC footage captures a fleet of Chinese tank boats charging through the sea in tight formation during military drills near Taiwan. The show of force by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)