China could find a "pretext" to stage new war games around Taiwan this year, coinciding with sensitive dates such as the anniversary in May of a year since President Lai Ching-te took office, a senior Taiwan coast guard official said.

A senior Taiwan coast guard official warns China might use significant dates to stage new military drills around Taiwan. These drills could coincide with the anniversary of President Lai Ching-te's inauguration and Taiwan's national day,

The drills came after Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, announced measures to counter China’s influence and espionage. Beijing also wants to send a message to Washington, analysts said.