The main information to remember
- A Chinese aircraft carrier group has been deployed near the southern region of Taiwan.
- The deployment comes amid heightened tensions following China’s military response to President Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech.
- Taiwan’s Defense Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and responding accordingly.
Taiwan reported the presence of a Chinese aircraft carrier group near its southern region on Sunday. The development comes amid heightened tensions following China’s military response to President Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech last week.
China considers Taiwan its own territory and considers President Lai, who advocates Taiwan’s autonomy, to be a “separatist.” The Chinese military frequently conducts operations around Taiwan, and the recent deployment of an aircraft carrier group has raised concerns about the possibility of further war games in the region.
Tensions intensify
Lai’s speech, while emphasizing Taiwan’s willingness to cooperate with China on global challenges such as climate change, also asserted that the People’s Republic of China lacks the authority to represent Taiwan. This position was condemned by Beijing.
Taiwan’s defense ministry has confirmed the presence of a Chinese naval group led by the aircraft carrier Liaoning near the Bashi Canal, a strategic waterway separating Taiwan from the Philippines. The ministry said Taiwan’s armed forces were closely monitoring the situation and responding accordingly.
China’s aggressive positioning
Adding to the escalating tensions, China’s Eastern Theater Command posted a video on social media showing military exercises and weaponry, with a subtle map of Taiwan embedded in the title. The video, titled “fully prepared and biding ones time before battle”, fueled concerns about China’s intentions.
While some Taiwanese believe China may choose to respond with further war games due to the U.S. election next month, others suggest Beijing may maintain a more moderate approach for now.
Taiwan pushes back against Chinese pressure
China has not ruled out the use of force against Taiwan and continues to exert economic pressure by threatening trade sanctions. Lai’s government maintains its position that only the Taiwanese people have the right to determine their future and rejects China’s sovereignty claims.
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