FEATURE | Taiwan tracks more Chinese naval activity despite "peace dialogue"

One official said China usually deploys around 50-60 ships in the region, so the increase in the past weeks was, "very rare", especially because this time of year is not usually busy for Chinese naval drills.

A second highlighted the timing of the increased presence, coming with Washington focused on Iran, and as Taiwan's opposition leader visits China.

Meeting KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in Beijing on Friday, Xi said people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait want peace and cooperation, but added China will "absolutely not tolerate" independence for Taiwan.

The KMT says there is, "no connection whatsoever," between Cheng's trip and government defence spending plans.