Taiwan’s president described Beijing as a ‘foreign adversary’ that is exploiting democracy to sow division, create unrest and destabilize the island.

Taipei: Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te said Thursday tougher measures are needed to counter stepped-up Chinese infiltration, spying and other efforts to weaken the island’s defences. Lai cited a range of recent incidents involving China that fall into a “gray area” of psychological warfare short of open armed conflict.

Taiwan has accused China of stepping up military drills, trade sanctions and influence campaigns against the island in recent years to force the island to accept Chinese sovereignty claims. Speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with senior security officials,