Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday China has deepened its influence campaigns and infiltration against the democratic island, pledging measures to tackle Beijing's efforts to "absorb" Taiwan.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says only the island’s people can decide their future.

China is stepping up its campaign of influence and penetration in Taiwan. Taipei will take measures to counter Beijing's attempts to absorb the island, according to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. Ching-te accused Beijing of intensifying: ・military exercises ・trade sanctions;