Reuters news agency says China is likely to launch military drills in the coming days near Taiwan, using President Lai Ching-te's upcoming trip to the Pacific and scheduled US transit as a pretext.

Reuters published the report on Wednesday. The news agency attributes the view to assessments by Taiwan and regional security officials.

The report says Beijing could conduct military maneuvers shortly before or after Lai's trip, which starts on Saturday and ends on December 6.

It quotes sources as saying that Lai is planning stops in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.

Reuters says China could "repackage" ongoing regular military activities in the South or East China seas, moving them closer to Taiwan.

It also says Beijing could expand the size of its regular patrol that typically involves naval and air force drills near Taiwan.

Taiwan's defense ministry commented on the report, saying it is fully prepared to defend the peace with force in the face of hostile threats.

China is stepping up pressure on Lai. He is regarded as a "separatist" by China. Beijing has already conducted two rounds of large-scale exercises around Taiwan this year. The first time was in May after Lai took office, and the second was in October.