Wed Sep 18 01:39:58 UTC 2024: ## Chinese Aircraft Carrier Sails Near Taiwan, Following US Flight Through Strait
**Taipei, Taiwan** – A Chinese naval formation led by the Liaoning aircraft carrier transited waters northeast of Taiwan on Wednesday, the island’s defense ministry confirmed. The formation subsequently continued towards the southeast of Japan’s Yonaguni Island.
This action follows a Tuesday incident in which the Chinese military shadowed a US P-8A anti-submarine patrol aircraft that flew through the Taiwan Strait. Beijing’s military spokesperson, Li Xi, declared the PLA’s commitment to “resolutely defend national sovereignty” in response.
China considers Taiwan its own territory and maintains control over the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from the mainland. The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers have repeatedly sailed through the strait in recent years, signaling Beijing’s growing military pressure on Taiwan.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported observing nine Chinese military aircraft, 13 naval vessels, and one official ship within a 24-hour period ending on Wednesday morning. The Taiwanese armed forces continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
This latest escalation comes amid heightened tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan. The US maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding its defense commitments to Taiwan, but continues to conduct military activities in the region.
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