China’s air force points to fighter jets to encircle “the precious island.”
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Status: 7:13 p.m
Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, international attention has increasingly focused on the unresolved Taiwan conflict. China’s military shows presence and flies patrols near Taiwan. Further maneuvers could be understood as a warning to the USA.
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AAmid recent tensions over Taiwan’s status, China’s air force is bolstering Beijing’s claim to the island. “The Air Force has the determination, full confidence and sufficient capability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” an air force spokesman said on Sunday, referring to the island nation considered by Beijing to be a breakaway province. The People’s Republic of China has enough fighter jets to encircle “the precious island of our motherland”.
Apparently as a warning to Washington, China’s military held live ammunition drills near Taiwan on Saturday. As the authorities announced, parts of the waters off Fujian province were blocked. The area is north of the Taiwan Strait, which separates mainland China and the island republic of Taiwan.
Expectations that the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, would also visit Taiwan as part of her planned trip to Asia had recently caused unrest in Beijing. Pelosi is leaving open a controversial stopover in Taiwan during her Asia trip.
China responds with patrols on US planes
Stops in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan were announced in a statement released on Sunday by the Office of the Speakers of the US House of Representatives. Whether the leading US Democrat is also planning a visit to Taiwan or not was not mentioned. The 82-year-old is number three in the United States, after the President and Vice President.
Meanwhile, China’s military tried to increase the pressure. The Air Force flew patrols near Taiwan. The United States deployed the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier to the South China Sea last week. The US military spoke of a long-planned trip and “routine patrol”.
The communist leadership regards free Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic and wants to isolate it internationally. On the other hand, the island republic of 23 million people has long considered itself independent. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fears of a conquest by China have been growing. The United States has committed itself to Taiwan’s ability to defend itself – which has so far primarily meant arms deliveries.
China’s leadership perceives visits by foreign politicians to Taiwan as a provocation. Beijing has threatened serious consequences if Democrat Pelosi visits Taiwan. In a phone call with US President Joe Biden on Thursday, head of state and party leader Xi Jinping warned his counterpart: “Those who play with fire will perish.” I don’t think the military thinks it’s a good idea at the moment.”
