Taiwan accuses China of trying to intimidate it into relinquishing its independence. Beijing considers the democratically governed island as part of its own territory.

By Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday China has deepened its influence campaigns and infiltration against the democratic island, pledging measures to tackle Beijing's efforts to "absorb" Taiwan.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te says tougher measures are needed to counter stepped-up Chinese infiltration, spying and other efforts to weaken the island’s defenses.

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday China has deepened its influence campaign and infiltration against the democratic island, adding his government will propose various measures to counter Beijing efforts to "absorb" Taiwan.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said the government will work to let military tribunals operate in peacetime and announced a tightening of rules governing exchanges with China, underscoring growing concerns about Beijing’s operations on the island and in its armed forces.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te warned of Chinas intensified influence campaigns, espionage, and infiltration efforts against the democratic island. He pledged new countermeasures to protect Taiwans sovereignty and