Mon Dec 09 18:10:01 UTC 2024: ## Taiwan on High Alert as China Responds to President Lai’s US Visit

**Taipei, Taiwan –** Taiwan’s military is on high alert after detecting Chinese warships, coast guard vessels, and airspace restrictions near the island. This follows President Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to the US, which included stops in Hawaii and Guam, sparking a strong reaction from Beijing.

The Taiwanese Defence Ministry confirmed the presence of Chinese naval formations from the PLA’s Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Commands, as well as coast guard ships, in areas around the Taiwan Strait and Western Pacific. While there has been no official announcement from the PLA or Chinese state media, a Beijing Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stated that China would firmly defend its sovereignty.

The increased military activity has prompted Taiwan to launch its own combat readiness drills. The ministry emphasized that its units are on high alert, particularly those on outlying islands. Seven Chinese coast guard ships have displayed unusual movements since Friday, according to Taiwan’s coast guard. Airspace restrictions east of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, likely for missile testing and simulating no-fly zones, are expected to last until Wednesday.

President Lai’s trip, which included a meeting with US House Speaker Mike Johnson in Guam, has drawn strong criticism from Beijing. China warned Taiwan against seeking independence with US help, urging Washington to stop interfering in Taiwan affairs. President Lai responded by stating that coercion through military exercises will not win respect.

A military expert, Su Tzu-yun, suggests the Chinese drills are politically motivated and could backfire by strengthening the perception of a China threat. The heightened tensions underscore the ongoing dispute over Taiwan’s sovereignty, with China viewing the island as part of its territory and not ruling out the use of force. The US continues to support Taiwan’s defense, recently approving a $385 million sale of spare parts and equipment. The situation raises concerns about regional stability, particularly given recent similar PLA activities near Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. Japan also reported the detection of Chinese naval vessels sailing towards the Pacific Ocean.

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