Tensions Rise As China Sends Warplanes, Ships Toward Taiwan

Relations between China and Taiwan seemed to hit a new low over the past several days.

According to reports, the People’s Liberation Army of China sent dozens of fighter jets and bombers along with 13 warships toward Taiwan.

Although Taiwan has been under independent rule for decades, China has been attempting to reassert its dominance over the region and has suggested that military intervention could be part of its plan. The most recent escalation resulted in some of the aircraft crossing the disputed border between China and Taiwan.

In a statement on the matter, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported: “The PLA aircraft conducted long-range aerial reconnaissance training alongside long-distance vessels to the southeast of Taiwan. Four [People’s LIberation Army Navy] vessels also conducted joint combat patrol.”

The agency confirmed that it is “closely monitoring” the developing situation and has responded with a civilian patrol of the land, sea, and air. 

China conducts annual drills, ostensibly to be ready for a possible invasion, but the country’s provocations related to Taiwan have escalated significantly over the past year. In April, for example, the nation held a major drill near Taiwan that coincided with a meeting between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

About eight months earlier, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) visited Taiwan, which reportedly prompted China’s decision to launch missiles in the region. 

Taiwan is expected to conduct its own military drills later this month, which leaders say will be geared not only toward preparing for a possible invasion but also for potential natural disasters.

The U.S. has taken a measured response to China’s claims over Taiwan, officially endorsing the “One China” policy that establishes Taiwan as a part of the country without affirming China’s insistence that it controls the island nation. 

Following McCarthy’s trip to Taiwan, both he and Tsai described their meeting as a step toward strengthening relations.

“I believe our bond is stronger now than at any time or point in my lifetime,” the House speaker said at the time. “America’s support for the people of Taiwan will remain resolute, unwavering, and bipartisan.”