Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported multiple formations of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels moving in waters around the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific. The ministry identified vessels from the Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater commands, as well as coast guard vessels entering the areas.
This military movement follows Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's recent unofficial stops in Hawaii and Guam, which drew criticism from Beijing. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and opposes any interactions between Taiwan and the US.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry has initiated combat readiness exercises to counter Chinese activities and remains on high alert. The ministry emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
China has a history of using military drills to intimidate Taiwan in response to perceived provocations. The current naval deployment by China appears larger than previous drills conducted earlier this year.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China's stance on Taiwan, emphasizing that Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory.
President Lai's visit to the US territories of Hawaii and Guam aimed to strengthen ties with Taiwan's diplomatic allies and promote solidarity with democracies. During his visit, Lai emphasized the importance of standing up against totalitarianism.
Beijing strongly condemned Lai's travel and vowed to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation remains tense as both sides assert their positions amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
