China deployed 14 warships, seven military aircraft, and four balloons close to Taiwan over the weekend, as reported by Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. This move is seen as an escalation of pressure on the island that China considers its own.
These military maneuvers by China coincide with speculations that Beijing could conduct military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent visits to US allies in the Pacific, including stops in Hawaii and Guam.
China asserts its sovereignty over Taiwan, which is a self-governing democracy with a population of 23 million. The Chinese government strongly opposes any official interactions between Taiwan and other nations.
One of the balloons brushed over the island’s northern tip, according to the ministry.
President Lai, during his visit, urged China to avoid making threats and stated that military drills conducted by Beijing would not gain the respect of neighboring countries.
Lai’s diplomatic tour, marking his first official trip abroad since assuming office in May, involved trips to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau – three out of the twelve nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The rest of the world, including the US, has official ties with China.
Lai’s stops in Hawaii and Guam – from where he had phone calls with US Congress leaders – angered China, which opposes US arms sales and military assistance to Taiwan.
There was widespread speculation China might organise war games around Taiwan in response to the visit, though it was unclear when they might start.
In October, China held drills around Taiwan involving a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and 12 Chinese government ships in response to a Lai speech in which he rejected Beijing’s claims over Taiwan.
Beijing has labeled Lai a separatist and refuses to speak to him.
