Taiwan's president has warned of catastrophic consequences for peace and democracy in Asia if the island were to fall to China.
Writing in the journal Foreign Affairs, Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan did not seek military confrontation, but would do whatever it took to defend itself.
Her article comes at a time of mounting pressure from China which regards the island as part of its territory.
Taiwan says Chinese air force planes have been flying near the island for more than a year.
But in the last four days nearly 150 aircraft have flown into Taiwan's air defence zone causing concern.
Worldwatch's Sally Round spoke to Canterbury University Professor of political science and international relations Alex Tan about China's latest military activity in the area.
