TAIWAN has staged anti-invasion drills amid fears China will launch an attack at any moment.

       It comes after China flew 19 nuke bombers and fighter jets into Taiwan air space, sparking World War Three fears.

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       Taiwan has staged anti-invasion drills Credit: Avalon.red 5

       Tensions between China and Taiwan have been mounting Credit: Avalon.red 5

       Taiwan is stepping up its defense Credit: AP

       Taiwan is stepping up its defense as China has grown increasingly assertive in both East China and South China Seas.

       Across the region, the United States and its allies are deepening military cooperation and strategizing over an effective response.

       China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has long threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

       According to Taiwan's Defence Ministry last week's Chinese military incursion involved 10 J-16 and four Su-30 fighter jets, an anti-submarine aircraft, and four H-6 bombers, which can carry nuclear weapons.

       China staged massive military drills in July, including assault landings and island-control exercises.

       China has described its war games as necessary to protect the country's sovereignty and deal with "collusion" between Taipei and Washington.

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       Last month China told Taiwan it should be "trembling" as the US "won't protect" the island from invasion.

       Beijing also warned the US it is “playing with fire” and pledged to "crush" Taiwan if it seeks independence.

       Beijing often launches military missions in Taiwan's air space to express displeasure at comments made by the island, or at shows of international support for Taiwan - especially from the US.

       In August China sent 11 warplanes into Taiwan's airspace during war games - threatening "immediate" invasion.

       The six fighter jets, two bombers and three surveillance aircraft flew into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone.

       And in June, China sent 28 military jets into the air space - the largest incursion reported by Taiwan to date.

       Tensions have been mounting between the two countries since 2016 after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen hit back at the "One China" policy pursued by Beijing, which does not recognise Taiwanese independence.

       Under the policy, Taiwan is viewed as a rogue province which should not be allowed to conduct international state-to-state relations.

       The One China policy is a key cornerstone of Sino-US diplomatic relations and was recognised by former president Donald Trump.

       Washington, however, has always maintained a “robust unofficial” relationship with Taiwan and has continued to sell arms to the island.

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       Tensions between China and Taiwan have been mounting since 2016 5

       China considers Taiwan part of its territory Credit: AP

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