China Increases Military Presence Around Taiwan Amid Tensions Over Pacific Tour
08th Dec 2024
Members of Taiwan's Navy navigate onboard a special operation boat during a drill part of a demonstration for the media, to show combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays, on the waters near a military base in Kaohsiung, Jan. 31, 2024.
China has nearly doubled its naval presence around Taiwan within the past 24 hours, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on Sunday, as security experts anticipate a new round of Chinese military exercises in the region.
According to the ministry’s daily update, 14 Chinese warships were operating near the island, up from the eight reported the previous day. The escalation coincides with tensions over Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent Pacific tour, which included visits to Hawaii and Guam, territories of strategic importance to the United States.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has previously conducted two large-scale war games near the island this year. Security analysts suggest that Beijing may be preparing for a third round, though poor weather conditions in the Taiwan Strait this weekend could delay the maneuvers.
In addition to the naval buildup, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting four Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait, with one of them skimming the island’s airspace.
China’s Ministry of State Security issued a sharp rebuke on its WeChat platform, condemning President Lai’s actions and U.S. support for Taiwan. The statement accused Lai of attempting to “use arms to seek independence” and denounced the United States as “acting in cahoots with gangsters and jackals.”
“No country, organization, or individual should underestimate the strong determination, firm will, and powerful capacity of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry stated, warning of severe consequences for any perceived overreach on the Taiwan issue.
President Lai and his administration have rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, asserting Taiwan’s democratic governance and independence. Despite escalating Chinese rhetoric and military activity, Taipei remains resolute, calling for peaceful dialogue and international support for its self-governance.
This latest development underscores the growing military and diplomatic friction between China, Taiwan, and the United States, raising concerns about regional stability.
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