CBC News visited Taiwan’s Kinmen islands, which are just a few kilometres across the bay from the Chinese city of Xiamen. The islands have been on the frontline of hostilities between China and Taiwan for more than seven decades.

China "absolutely will not" rule out using force over Taiwan, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday, striking a much tougher tone than a series of articles in state media this week that pledged benign rule if the island comes over to Beijing.

China has announced a new holiday called the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration, as part of its claims over the self-ruled island.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Taiwan won't be abandoned in China trade negotiations, emphasizing continued U.S. support amid Beijing's diplomatic pressure campaign.

China's fourth-highest-ranked leader said on Saturday that China and Taiwan should work to achieve "peaceful reunification", Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported

Sitting just a few kilometres from mainland China, the Kinmen islands are Taiwan’s front line with its increasingly menacing neighbour. For The National, CBC’s Chris Brown goes to the region to find out how people are preparing for a war they hope never comes.

Lieutenant General Sun Li-fang details Taiwan's defense plans against Chinese gray-zone operations and potential naval blockade threats from the PLA.