China Doubles Warships Near Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions Over US Visits

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on Sunday that China had nearly doubled the number of its warships operating near the island within a 24-hour period, signaling heightened tensions ahead of potential new military drills. The increase in Chinese warships, from eight to fourteen, follows Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s recent visits to Hawaii and Guam as part of a Pacific tour. Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has expressed strong discontent with these visits, seeing them as moves toward Taiwanese independence.

Taiwan’s defense ministry also reported the detection of four Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait, one of which brushed the island’s top. The increased Chinese military presence comes after two rounds of war games held around Taiwan earlier this year.

While weather conditions in the region have been poor over the weekend, security sources anticipate a new round of Chinese military exercises in the near future. China’s Ministry of State Security issued a harsh statement, accusing Lai of seeking independence through military means and aligning with the United States, which Beijing opposes. It reiterated China’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity and warned that no nation, organization, or individual should underestimate China’s resolve.

The Taiwanese government, led by Lai, rejects China’s claims of sovereignty over Taiwan, continuing to assert its independence and defy Beijing’s demands.