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China Sends Ships to Taiwan in Response to Leader’s US Visit.
China’s naval maneuvers near Taiwan intensified over the weekend, with Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reporting 14 warships, seven military aircraft, and four balloons in the region.
The heightened activity follows Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s visits to Pacific allies, including stopovers in the United States, which Beijing strongly opposed.
Why is Beijing Increasing Pressure on Taiwan?
China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and has repeatedly expressed its willingness to annex the self-ruled democracy of 23 million people, by military force if necessary.
Beijing’s irritation has grown over Taiwan’s diplomatic interactions with other nations, particularly the United States, which, while not officially recognizing Taiwan, remains its primary supporter and arms supplier.
The military activity occurred over 24 hours from Saturday to Sunday morning, with six aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait’s median line, an informal boundary between the two sides.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported one of the balloons even brushed over the island’s northern tip. This follows a pattern of regular incursions by Chinese forces, underscoring a sustained strategy to intimidate Taiwan and its allies.
How Did Lai’s US Stopovers Escalate Tensions?
President Lai’s visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau-three of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies-alongside brief stops in Hawaii and Guam, have been a focal point for China’s ire.
Lai’s calls with U.S. congressional leaders during his U.S. stopovers further fueled Beijing’s dissatisfaction. China opposes any U.S. engagement with Taiwan, particularly arms sales and military cooperation.
While in Tuvalu, Lai called on Beijing to refrain from threats and noted that military exercises “will not be able to win the respect” of neighboring nations. These remarks echoed Taiwan’s defiance against what it views as China’s coercive tactics to isolate the island internationally.
Speculation of Chinese Drills Intensifies
Observers speculated that Beijing could launch military drills in response to Lai’s visits, although no timetable has been confirmed.
In October, China conducted record-breaking exercises around Taiwan, involving 153 aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and 12 government ships after Lai rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
China has labeled Lai a separatist and refuses to engage in dialogue with him, further increasing hostilities. As tensions remain high, the region continues to brace for any potential escalation, with Taiwan emphasizing its commitment to self-defense and international engagement.
This latest military activity underscores the ongoing struggle for influence in the Taiwan Strait, as China seeks to assert dominance while Taiwan fortifies its diplomatic and defense strategies.
(Bellingham herald)