Taiwan reports resumption of Chinese activity after Antony Blinken leaves Beijing

Taiwan reported the resumption of Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday, a day after 12 aircraft crossed the sensitive midline of the Taiwan Strait. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concludes his visit to China,

Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, the United States is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms supplier. Blinken said he had stressed the “vital importance” of maintaining peace and stability across the strait while in China.

Democratically ruled Taiwan has faced increasing military pressure from China, which views the island as its territory. The Taiwanese government rejects those claims.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said that as of 9:30 a.m. Saturday (local time) it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighter planes, 12 of which had crossed the midline between Taiwan’s north and center .

The line once served as an informal border between the two sides, which neither side’s troops could cross, but China’s air force now regularly flies aircraft over it. China says that it does not believe in the existence of this line.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said the aircraft were involved in a “joint combat readiness patrol” with Chinese warships, adding that Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded “appropriately”. Details were not given in this.

China’s defense ministry did not respond to calls seeking comment outside office hours on Saturday.

Taiwan’s armed forces are well equipped and well trained, but dwarf China’s forces, especially its navy and air force, which respond to Chinese missions almost daily.

China considers Taiwan the most important issue in its relations with the United States, and Beijing has repeatedly called on Washington to end arms sales to Taiwan.

Taiwan’s newly elected President Lai Ching-te took office on May 20 after winning the January election. Beijing considers them dangerous separatists and has rejected repeated calls for talks.

Lai said Thursday that China should have the confidence to talk to Taiwan’s legally elected government. Like outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai says only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.

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