Per SCMP

The top military officials of China have vowed to follow President Xi Jinping's directives to strengthen the military to prepare for war.

On October 16, Xi said that Beijing would do its best to "bring Taiwan back" through peaceful means but is ready to use force if needed. Xi blamed secessionist activities and provocations of external forces for the struggle.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August. The visit by Pelosi happened during a time when China was tightening its grip on Taiwan.

China and the US are also in conflict over the South China Sea, claimed by Southeast Asian neighbors, and the East China Sea, also claimed by Japan.