China continues to assert its presence near Taiwan as it sent warships and fighter jets into the airspace and waters around the island, coinciding with the visit of United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to Beijing. Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that 13 Chinese aircraft and 6 vessels were spotted within its vicinity in the past 24 hours.
The Defense Ministry of Taiwan stated that it is closely monitoring the situation from the air, sea, and land. Land-based missile systems have been prepared to respond if necessary. The ministry revealed that four Chinese aircraft, including two SU-30 fighters, one BZK-005 reconnaissance plane, and one Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane, breached the median line in the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern air defense identification zone.
China persistently claims sovereignty over Taiwan, even threatening to annex it by force if required. As part of its strategy, China routinely sends air and naval missions near Taiwan to undermine its defense capabilities and intimidate its population of 23mn. However, the people of Taiwan have largely remained unfazed by such provocations.
The United States support for Taiwan, which emerged as a separate entity following the civil war in 1949, has been a longstanding point of contention in its relations with Beijing. This support remains a major irritant for China.
Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to the headquarters of the People’s Liberation Army's Eastern Theater, which directly faces Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait, occurred just before Yellen's arrival. During his visit, president Xi emphasized the importance of enhancing war preparedness and training under realistic combat conditions.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), the world's largest standing armed force, operates as the military wing of the Communist Party and is overseen by a committee led by president Xi.
China also vehemently opposes U.S. military support for Taiwan and recently expressed criticism regarding an upcoming $440mn sale of cannon shells and other equipment. Beijing accused the United States of exacerbating tensions in the region and transforming Taiwan into a potential powder keg.
Secretary Yellen is not expected to meet with president Xi during her visit to China.
The escalating military maneuvers near Taiwan underscore the ongoing tensions in the region, with both China and the United States maintaining their respective positions on the Taiwan issue.
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