China strengthened military presence near Taiwan after Blinken’s visit

Taiwan denounced this Saturday (27) a significant increase in Chinese military presence on the island’s borders.

According to the Taiwan Ministry of Defense, 22 Chinese Army Air Force aircraft were close to the country’s border, 12 of which even crossed the Taiwan Strait, the ministry said.

The Defense Ministry said that these planes, together with ships, carried out combat patrols in the northern and central areas of the island’s security space.

Taiwanese authorities stated that “the Taiwanese Armed Forces have been monitoring the situation and deploying appropriate forces to respond” to any hostile scenario.

The situation comes after the conclusion of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to China this week. Blinken, who left Chinese territory this Friday (26), went to the Asian communist giant with the aim of stabilizing bilateral relations between his country and the Beijing regime.

The US is Taiwan’s main international supporter and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. The island was one of the countries that benefited from the military aid package approved by the US Congress and sanctioned by President Joe Biden.

The increase in Chinese military activity occurs in a context of tensions between the communists and Taiwan. China considers the island a rebel province and does not rule out the use of force for “reunification”. On the other hand, the US is committed to the defense of Taiwan under The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.

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