TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan reported a Chinese aircraft carrier group sailing to the island’s south on Sunday, as China’s military put out a video saying it was “prepared for battle” amid concerns in Taipei about the possibility of a new round of Chinese war games. The recent sighting of a Chinese aircraft carrier has heightened China Taiwan tensions in the region. #ChinaTaiwanTensions
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, detests its president Lai Ching-te as a “separatist”, and the Chinese military routinely operates around the island.
In his national day speech, Lai stated that the People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan. He also expressed Taiwan’s willingness to cooperate with Beijing on issues like climate change. Lai’s firm yet conciliatory message angered China.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that a Chinese navy group, led by the carrier Liaoning, entered waters near the Bashi Channel. This channel connects the South China Sea and the Pacific, separating Taiwan from the Philippines. The carrier group is anticipated to enter the Western Pacific soon.
Taiwan’s armed forces are keeping a close watch on developments and “exercising an appropriate vigilance and response”, the ministry added, without elaborating.
Security sources in Taiwan had said before Lai’s address that his speech could prompt new Chinese war games, last held by the country in May in what Beijing said was “punishment” for Lai’s inauguration speech that month.
Earlier on Sunday, the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command released a propaganda video on social media. The video, titled “fully prepared and biding one’s time before battle,” focuses on Taiwan. The Eastern Theatre Command oversees the area that includes Taiwan.
The video displayed fighter jets and warships working in coordination, while troops moved mobile missile launchers into position. Amphibious assault vehicles also appeared, signaling potential ground operations. Additionally, a small map of Taiwan appeared in one of the Chinese characters in the title.
China has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control. #ChinaTaiwanTensions
Diplomatic Solutions Key to Easing China Taiwan Tensions
In addition, international observers are closely watching the developments in the Taiwan Strait. Consequently, any miscalculation could further escalate China Taiwan tensions. Thus, diplomatic efforts must prioritize dialogue to prevent potential conflicts.
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