China flexes military muscle as Taiwan's president heads abroad
The Chinese army is increasing its presence around Taiwan ahead of President Lai Ching-te's visit to Pacific nations. This is yet another instance of the Chinese army provocation during Taiwan's president's significant diplomatic visits.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense detected 41 Chinese aircraft and ships near the island. Beijing's heightened military activity coincides with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's planned trip to Pacific nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Taipei.
In the last 24 hours, by 6 AM Eastern Time on Friday, 33 aircraft and eight Chinese naval vessels were detected in the air and waters near Taiwan. On Thursday evening, 19 Chinese aircraft participated in a "joint combat readiness patrol" in the region. This is the largest number of Chinese units detected in a day in three weeks.
President Lai, regarded by Beijing as a "separatist," will begin his first official international trip on Saturday. Over the course of seven days, he will meet with leaders from three Pacific nations: the President of the Marshall Islands, Hilda Heine; the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Enele Sopoaga; and the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr. During the trip, he will also stop in Hawaii and Guam, which has previously caused dissatisfaction in China.
China's reactions
China often responds to visits by Taiwanese representatives in the US with military exercises around the island. Beijing also pressures Taiwan's allies to break ties with it in accordance with the "One China" policy.
The Chinese authorities claim Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China, although they have never governed it. Xi Jinping emphasizes that the "reunification of the motherland" is inevitable and may require military intervention. The government in Taipei rejects these claims, emphasizing the right of its people to decide the country's future.
