China employs grey-zone tactics to push the boundaries and create a new normal, says a Taiwanese envoy as the major power downplays its naval presence.

A top of Chinese official has unveiled stronger language on Taiwan that could signal greater efforts to intimidate the self-ruled democracy, as Beijing announced military exercises near the island. Wang Huning urged China to "shape the inevitable reunification of the motherland" - a phrase highlighted on Chinese state news outlets and social media.