Taiwan's Presidential Office held its first "tabletop" exercise involving government agencies beyond the armed forces on Thursday, simulating a military escalation with China amid renewed threats from Beijing,

Taiwan maintains its own democratic autonomy from China despite Beijing's claims of sovereignty over the island. Tensions in the Taiwan Strait are often high, as China has staged military exercises and war games off the island's coast. The 100-mile wide strait separates China and Taiwan.

China has warned the US that sending weapons to Taiwan is akin to “playing with fire” and risks severe consequences. The US recently announced $571.3m (£473m) in military assistance to the island and approved $295m in arms sales.

Taiwan's Presidential Office conducted its first ever tabletop exercise simulating a military escalation with China, several officials briefed on the matter said, at a time when the island is facing renewed Chinese military threats.

Taiwan’s presidential office conducted its first-ever "tabletop" exercises involving government agencies without military participation. The goal was to simulate a military escalation with China amid fresh threats from Beijing,

Taiwan has conducted its first war game, aiming to prepare for a potential escalation of conflict with China. Various government agencies and citizen groups participated in the exercises. The Office of the President of Taiwan,