Hu Xijin, the editor of state-affiliated Global Times, has warned Taiwan it would not receive protection from the US. The warning comes following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the capture of Kabul.

       He tweeted: “After the fall of the Kabul regime, the Taiwan authorities must be trembling.

       “Don’t look forward to the US to protect them.”

       Referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army, Mr Hu added: “Taipei officials need to quietly mail-order a Five-Star Red Flag from the Chinese mainland.

       “It will be useful one day when they surrender to the PLA.”

       Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway province which must be reunited with the Chinese mainland.

       On Tuesday, the democratically ruled island nation launched a series of military drills which saw warships and fighter jets exercising off its southwest and southeast regions.

       China said the drills were triggered by "external interference" and "provocations".

       In a statement, the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command said warships, anti-submarine aircraft and fighter jets had been deployed close to Taiwan.

       It explained their mission was to conduct "joint fire assault and other drills using actual troops".

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