China has recently escalated its military activities near Taiwan, sending 14 warships, seven military aircraft, and four balloons to the region over the weekend. This move by Beijing is seen as an attempt to increase pressure on Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.
The heightened military presence comes in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent visit to Pacific allies, including stops in the United States. China, which does not recognize Taiwan as a separate country, views such exchanges with Taiwan as provocative.
China has long expressed its intention to annex Taiwan, even if it requires military action. As a result, Chinese warships and military planes are frequently spotted near the island.
According to Taiwan's Defense Ministry, the recent military activities included six aircraft crossing the unofficial demarcation line in the Taiwan Strait. One of the balloons even passed over the northern tip of the island.
President Lai has urged China to avoid making threats, emphasizing that military exercises will not earn the respect of neighboring countries. Lai's diplomatic tour included visits to several Pacific nations with ties to Taiwan, which further irked China.
China has previously conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan, involving a significant number of aircraft and navy vessels. These exercises were in response to Taiwan's rejection of Beijing's claims over the island.
Beijing has labeled President Lai as a separatist and refuses to engage in dialogue with him. The ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, coupled with the United States' support for Taiwan, continue to fuel geopolitical uncertainties in the region.
