Taiwan says 14 Chinese warships and 4 balloons were spotted near the island.

China recently increased its military presence near Taiwan, sending 14 warships, seven military aircraft, and four balloons near the island over the weekend. This move by Beijing is seen as a tactic to pressure Taiwan, which they claim as their own territory.

The Chinese government's military activities come in light of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent visit to Pacific allies, including the United States, where he stopped in Hawaii and Guam. This has sparked speculation that China may organize military drills in response.

As a self-ruled democracy with a population of 23 million, Taiwan has been a point of contention for China, who refuses to acknowledge its sovereignty. Beijing also disapproves of other countries having official exchanges with Taiwan.

The United States, while not officially recognizing Taiwan as a country, is its main supporter and supplier of weapons. This stance has further incensed China, who has made it clear that they will take military action if necessary to annex Taiwan.

According to Taiwan's Defense Ministry, the 14 warships, seven military planes, and four balloons were present around the island for 24 hours between Saturday and Sunday. Six of the aircraft even crossed the unofficial demarcation line between Taiwan and China, causing concern for the Taiwanese government.

Lai, who took office in May, has been vocal about China's threatening behavior and has called on them to refrain from such actions. On his recent trip to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, three of the 12 countries with diplomatic ties to Taiwan, Lai urged China to earn the respect of its neighboring countries.

However, China's anger towards Lai's trip did not stop there. His phone calls with US Congress leaders, made from Hawaii and Guam, further infuriated Beijing, who strongly opposes US support for Taiwan.

In response, there have been speculations of China organizing military exercises around Taiwan, similar to the ones held in October involving 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 government ships. These drills were a direct response to Lai's rejection of Beijing's claims over Taiwan.

China has labeled Lai as a separatist and refuses to engage in any communication with him. As tensions continue to rise between China and Taiwan, the rest of the world watches with concern, knowing the potential consequences of any military action taken by either side.

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