Taiwan issues a warning about China's military's "sudden entry" close to the island.

In light of the escalating military tensions across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's defense minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, issued a warning on Monday that the island must be on high alert for a "sudden entry" by the Chinese military into areas close to its territory this year.

In recent years, China has increased its military operations in the vicinity of Taiwan, including almost daily Air Force incursions into the island's air defense identification zone.

Taiwan hasn't yet reported any incidents of Chinese forces intruding into its contiguous zone, which is located 44.4 kilometers (24 nautical miles) inland. However, last year a civilian drone that was flying near an islet off the Chinese coast violated its airspace and was shot down.

Chiu, in response to inquiries from lawmakers in parliament, stated that as Taiwan increases its military exchanges with the United States, Beijing may find justifications to enter areas close to the island's territorial air and sea space.

He warned that the PLA could "suddenly enter" Taiwan's contiguous zone and approach its territorial space, which the island defines as being 12 nautical miles inland from its coasts.

“(I) specifically make these comments this year, meaning they are making such preparations,” Chiu said. “Looking forward, they would use force if they really have to.”

Taiwan has prepared to "fire the first shot" if Chinese entities enter its territorial space, and has promised to use its right to self-defense and launch a counterattack if Chinese armed forces enter its territory.