Chinese Military Activity Increases Near Taiwan Strait After US Secretary of State's Visit
On Saturday, Taiwan reported 12 Chinese military aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a sensitive border, following a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China.
The US is a key supporter of democratically governed Taiwan, despite not having formal diplomatic ties.
Blinken emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the strait during his visit.
China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has increased military pressure on the island.
Taiwan's defense ministry detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, with 12 crossing the median line.
The text describes the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan over the unofficial border known as the median line in the Taiwan Strait.
China's air force regularly flies over this line, which Taiwan sees as a boundary that neither side's military should cross.
China does not recognize the line's existence.
In response, Taiwan's defense ministry reported that its aircraft and ships responded appropriately to Chinese warships and aircraft involved in "joint combat readiness patrols." China's defense ministry did not comment on the incident.
Taiwan's military is well-equipped and trained but is significantly smaller than China's, particularly in the navy and air force.
China views Taiwan as a crucial issue in its relations with the United States and has repeatedly demanded an end to US weapons sales to Taiwan.
Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te began his term on May 20, following his election win in January.
Beijing views Lai as a separatist and has refused his requests for dialogue.
Lai urged China to engage with Taiwan's democratically elected government.
Both Lai and outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen maintain that only Taiwan's people have the right to determine their future.