Taiwan reports Chinese military activity after Blinken's departure from Beijing
- In Reports
- 04:26 PM, Apr 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
A day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his visit to China, Taiwan reported renewed Chinese military activity near the island. Twelve aircraft were observed crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the United States remains Taiwan's most crucial international supporter and arms supplier. During his visit to China, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the "critical importance" of preserving peace and stability across the strait.
China has intensified military pressure on democratically governed Taiwan, asserting territorial claims over the island. Taiwan's government firmly denies these assertions.
According to Taiwan's defense ministry 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, were detected. Among them, 12 crossed the median line to Taiwan's north and center. The median line historically served as an unofficial boundary, but China's air force now routinely violates it. China maintains that it does not acknowledge the line's existence.
The Taiwan defense ministry reported that the aircraft participated in "joint combat readiness patrols" alongside Chinese warships. It further stated that Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded "appropriately" to the situation.
During office hours, attempts to reach China's defense ministry for comment were unsuccessful. Taiwan's armed forces, although well-equipped and trained, are significantly outnumbered by China's, particularly in terms of naval and air power. Chinese missions provoke near-daily responses from Taiwan's navy and air force.
China regards Taiwan as the foremost issue in its relations with the United States, and Beijing has consistently urged Washington to cease arms sales to Taiwan. President-elect Lai Ching-te, who won January's election, will assume office on May 20. Beijing perceives him as a dangerous separatist and has rejected his repeated appeals for dialogue.
Lai asserted that China ought to possess the confidence to engage in dialogue with Taiwan's duly elected government. Similar to outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai emphasizes that only the people of Taiwan hold the authority to determine their future.
Image source: AFP news
Comments