A professor has warned that China may be encouraged by Russia's lack of military response and attack Taiwan.

Russia has begun a full-fledged war on Ukraine, killing at least 198 people and injuring 1,115 more, including children.

The UK and other western allies have used harsh sanctions to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin but have not sent in military help as Ukraine is not part of Nato.

Some worry the lack of armed response will show China there would be no consequences from the west if Chinese President Xi Jinping moves his troops into Taiwan.

Professor of European studies at Oxford University Timothy Garton Ash told BBC Question Time: '[Vladimir Putin] has effectively already invaded Belarus, which is just next to Ukraine.

'Because he put all his forces in there and they're there for as long as he wants them to be there.

'So I think the minimal aim of Vladimir Putin is to create a new iron curtain down the Eastern frontier of NATO so that countries like Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia will be stuck in the Russian empire whether they like it or not.'

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin talk to each other during their meeting in Beijing.
There are fears Beijing may be inspired by Putin's actions (Picture: AP)

The professor went on: 'The other point to make… and it was a point made to me by a very senior Nato general, is Nato and the EU have had a very close relationship with Ukraine for many years.

'Someone once said Ukraine is not in Nato but Nato is in Ukraine, Ukraine is not in the EU but the EU is in Ukraine.

'And what this general said to me was we have all sorts of non-alliance partners all over the world. Where is our credibility going to be with them.

'And one of them is Taiwan. And of course if someone asks a worst case scenario is Xi Jinping thinks "well if comrade Vladimir can get away with it in Ukraine, maybe I'll have a go in Taiwan".'

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - FEBRUARY 26: A person holding signs protesting Russia's military intervention of Ukraine outside of the Russian representative office in Taipei, Taiwan, February 26, 2022. (Photo by Walid Berrazeg/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
People gathered in Taipei, Taiwan, and protested against Russia (Picture: Getty)
A group of people holding signs and flags protesting Russia's military intervention of Ukraine outside of the Russian representative office in Taipei, Taiwan.
People in Taiwan urged Nato to send its forces to defend Russia (Picture: Getty)

China has long claimed Taiwan as part of its Republic but the island elects its own local government – with current officials backing complete independence.