Taiwan detects 33 Chinese military aircraft around the island

Accordingly, from 6:00 a.m. on January 26 to 6:00 a.m. on January 27, Taiwan recorded 33 Chinese military aircraft and 7 Chinese naval vessels operating around the island. According to Taiwan, 13 aircraft are believed to have "crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait," AFP reported.

Taiwan's defense forces said they were monitoring the situation and using air patrol aircraft, maritime force vessels and coastal missile systems to respond to the activities.

Taiwanese sailors monitor a Chinese frigate at an undisclosed location, in this photo released on August 20, 2023.

This is believed to be the largest Chinese presence around Taiwan since the island held elections for its leader and legislators.

China has not commented on this information. However, Beijing has repeatedly declared Taiwan to be part of Chinese territory and will not rule out the use of force to reclaim the island.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Taiwan will be the topic raised at the meeting between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bangkok (Thailand) today, January 27.

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"During the new round of meetings, Mr. Wang will present China's views on China-US relations, including the Taiwan issue, and exchange views with the US side on international and regional issues of mutual concern," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson told reporters.

Earlier, on January 26, Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Wang also had a private conversation in Bangkok in an effort to cool down US-China relations. Information about the meeting was not disclosed to the press.

The latest meeting comes just over two months after US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the US.

Biden and Xi agreed to open a hotline between their leaders, resume military-to-military communications, and work to curb fentanyl production. But they remain at odds over Taiwan.

In another development, Tuvalu's Prime Minister Kausea Natano, who has a pro-Taiwan stance, lost his seat in parliament after election results were announced on January 27. This raised speculation that the country could move to establish diplomatic relations with China, according to AFP.

Tuvalu is one of 12 countries in the world that recognize Taiwan. This month, Nauru cut ties with Taiwan to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing, and there is speculation that Tuvalu could be next.

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