(File photo from China News Service)

Taipei, Aug. 31 (CNA) China's military has the capability to blockade and seize Taiwan's outlying islands and has not cut back on military exercises targeting Taiwan, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a report Wednesday.

In its report to the Legislature on China's military power, the ministry said an invasion by China could be triggered by developments such as Taiwan declaring or moving toward independence, Taiwan acquiring nuclear weapons, and foreign powers deploying forces in Taiwan or intervening in its domestic affairs.

The Chinese military continues to formulate plans for an all-out attack on Taiwan by 2020, while Chinese vessels have been venturing near Taiwan to collect intelligence under the guise of conducting marine research, the MND said in its report.

It said Chinese government vessels have been refurbished to resemble military vessels and are often dispatched to waters near Taiwan for "scientific research" and other purposes.

In another report Wednesday to the Legislature on Taiwan's military policy, the MND said there is a growing threat from China, which has the military capability to blockade and seize Taiwan's outlying islands.

The ministry said it will step up its information warfare efforts and the development of stealth, unmanned and precision weapons systems and ballistic missiles, with the goal of building a self-reliant defense capability.

The ministry also said it is moving toward building its own submarines and aircraft.

(By Claudia Liu and Elaine Hou)
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