Many Chinese military aircraft approach Taiwan, US speaks out

Earlier, on the evening of January 17, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said it had detected 18 Chinese air force aircraft operating around Taiwan and conducted "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships on January 17. This was China's first large-scale military activity around Taiwan since the presidential and parliamentary elections in Taiwan, which took place on January 13, according to Reuters.

Of the 18 military aircraft, 11 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or its surrounding areas. The median line of the Taiwan Strait used to serve as an unofficial border between the two sides, but Chinese aircraft have recently flown across the strait frequently.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said on the evening of January 17 that it had sent its forces to monitor the Chinese aircraft. The agency also stressed that Taiwan's defense forces "will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities in accordance with enemy threats and self-defense needs, and respond to regional threats."

Nhiều máy bay quân sự Trung Quốc áp sát Đài Loan, Mỹ lên tiếng- Ảnh 1. — Chinese military aircraft during a training exercise

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said on the evening of January 17 that it had sent its forces to monitor the Chinese aircraft. The agency also stressed that Taiwan's defense forces "will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities in accordance with threats and self-defense needs, and respond to regional threats."

There is currently no information about China's reaction to Taiwan's accusations and statements.

Earlier on January 17, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Beijing's stance - that it would not renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control - was aimed at foreign interference and a small number of separatists, but stressed that Taiwanese people needed to be rid of "prejudice" against China, according to Reuters.

Taiwan loses another ally as island nation establishes ties with China

Meanwhile, a US State Department spokesman said Washington was closely monitoring Beijing's actions and urged China not to use the recent election in Taiwan as "a pretext for escalation".

Reuters quoted a source familiar with the thinking of the administration of US President Joe Biden as saying that "it would not be surprising to see Beijing use the next few months to gradually increase pressure on Taiwan."

Lai, who won Taiwan’s presidential election on January 13 and will take office on May 20, has repeatedly offered to negotiate with China but has been rejected. Lai has said he will maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but only the Taiwanese people can decide the future of the territory, according to Reuters.

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