Taiwan's New Zealand representative has spoken to Newshub to highlight her grave concerns about a conflict brewing in the South China Sea.
It comes after our Government released its National Security Strategy which warned of the brewing tensions in the busy shipping route.
Sitting down for her first TV interview in New Zealand Taiwan representative Joanne Ou wastes no time getting to the point.
"We are seeing a more assertive and growing China which is causing a lot of disputes with its neighbours," Ou told Newshub.
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For years Taiwan and others in the South China Sea region like the Philippines have complained of Chinese military activity.
But say the incursions are now getting larger and more confronting in the busy shipping route.
Prompting Ou's fears of an invasion.
"China has been blunt and said if they can't resolve the acquisition of Taiwan peacefully, then they will take it by force, so we are seeing China projecting its ambition," she said.
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And Alexander Gillespie, an International Law Expert agrees..
"The threats she's talking about are serious, significant and real, there are an increase in incursions, and the scale of these is also disturbing."
Last month the Government released its National Security Strategy.
Which stated the tensions relating to Taiwan could trigger a conflict.
Ou warns for that reason New Zealand shouldn't be complacent.
"Build up and invest more in combat capable defence forces, I''m talking about the army, the airforce and the navy," Ou said.
Gillespie agrees saying our military is very underfunded at the moment compared to likeminded countries, and this hasn't been a subject of debate this election.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta wasn't available for an interview.
She's in Jakata meeting with her Southeast Asian counterparts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it's expressed concerns both publically and privately to China about the ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Newshub has also approached the Chinese Embassy for comment, but is yet to recieve a response.
Taiwan's representative remains hopeful diplomacy will win...
"It's very hard to predict whether there is going to be a war or not, ourr responsibility is to avoid war, but the best way to do that, is to be fully prepared for any conflict."
