December 8th 2024.
Over the weekend, China made a bold move by sending a large number of warships, military aircraft, and balloons near Taiwan. According to Taiwan's Defense Ministry, 14 warships, seven planes, and four balloons were spotted in the vicinity of the island. This aggressive display of military power is seen as a way for China to assert its ownership over Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory.
This increase in military activity from China coincides with speculation that Beijing may hold military exercises around Taiwan in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent trip to the Pacific region. Lai's visit included stops in Hawaii and Guam, both of which are considered allies of the United States. This has not gone down well with China, as it sees these visits as a challenge to its authority over Taiwan.
China's claim over Taiwan is a contentious issue, as the island is a self-governed democracy with a population of 23 million people. The Chinese government has made it clear that it is determined to annex Taiwan, even if it means using military force. As a result, they frequently send ships and planes near the island as a show of force.
In the span of 24 hours, from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported a total of 14 warships, seven planes, and four balloons near the island. Of these, six planes crossed the unofficial demarcation line between Taiwan and China, known as the Taiwan Strait. One of the balloons even flew over the northern tip of the island.
President Lai, who has been in office since May, has urged China to refrain from making threats and has stated that their military exercises will not earn the respect of neighboring countries. Lai's recent trip to the Pacific region, which included visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, three countries that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, has angered China. It sees these visits as a challenge to its own diplomatic relations with these countries.
Furthermore, Lai's phone calls with leaders in the United States Congress during his stopovers in Hawaii and Guam have added fuel to the fire. China strongly opposes any form of military assistance or arms sales to Taiwan by the US. As a result, there has been speculation that China may organize war games around Taiwan in response to Lai's visit. However, it is not yet known when these exercises will take place.
In the past, China has responded to Lai's speeches by holding military drills around Taiwan. In October, a record number of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 Chinese government ships were involved in these drills. This was in response to a speech by Lai in which he rejected China's claims over Taiwan. Beijing has labeled Lai as a separatist and refuses to engage in any dialogue with him.
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