China's launches drills around Taiwan to "severely punish" the island's pro-independence leader, as the U.S. boosts its war footing in Japan to deter Chinese "aggression."

The Taiwanese air force is operating a fleet of the upgraded F-16A/B fighter jets, which has been actively defending the country's airspace by intercepting Chinese combat jets that approach the island, including unmanned aircraft and carrier-based fighter jets.

While Taiwan spending 10 percent of its GDP on military spending is likely unrealistic, especially given total government spending only stands at 13.7 percent, it must still increase military funding, she said.