In a direct reference to the possibility of war, China's ambassador to the US suggested that the nations may face a "military conflict" over the future of Taiwan.

Analysts commented by saying that the warning is unusual.

Qin Gang told National Public Radio (NPR) on Friday that “The Taiwan issue is the biggest tinderbox between China and the United States,” adding that if the Taiwanese authorities continue its attempts at seeking full autonomy, encouraged by the US, it is conceivable that the two nations would be involved in a military confrontation.

China's airforce flew 39 warplanes into Taiwan's air defense identification zone on Sunday and has repeatedly warned the US of emboldening Taiwan.

In October, the US and its allies pushed for Taiwan to have greater engagement in the UN, to which China reaffirmed that Taiwan has no right to join. 

Additionally, the UK has plans to have its parliament's foreign affairs committee visit Taiwan in February.

Qin accused the island's administration of "Seeking its independence agenda by borrowing the support and the encouragement of the United States."

US at risk of paying 'unbearable price' over Taiwan

In an interview for state broadcaster CCTV and official news agency Xinhua broadcast in early January, Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that Washington's interference could lead to a dangerous situation.

"The US violated the promises made when China and the US established diplomatic relations, condoned and encouraged 'Taiwan independence' forces, and tried to distort and hollow out the one-China principle," Wang Yi said.

By encouraging 'Taiwan independence forces', the United States not only puts "Taiwan into an extremely dangerous situation but also exposes the United States to an unbearable price", Wang said.

The PRC tried to reclaim the island of Taiwan multiple times. Just southwest of Taiwan, another island that almost matches its size extends along the Chinese mainland, Hainan island, which the PRC retook in 1950.