China Deploys Over 30 Warplanes and Navy Ships Near Taiwan After US And China Engage in Diplomatic Talks

Defense News ,Taiwan :- In a significant military maneuver, China dispatched more than 30 warplanes and a flotilla of navy ships toward Taiwan, according to statements from the island's defense ministry on Saturday.

The military escalation occurred shortly after an announcement that high-level representatives from the United States and China were poised to engage in discussions in the Thai capital, with the aim of easing escalating tensions between the two nations.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed a total of 33 aircraft, including SU-30 fighters, along with six navy vessels in the vicinity of Taiwan, spanning from 6 am on Friday to 6 am on Saturday. Notably, 13 of these warplanes crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait—an informal boundary serving as a buffer between the island and the mainland. In response to these activities, Taiwan closely monitored the situation and activated its own forces.

China has persistently claimed Taiwan as part of its territory and has, in recent years, expressed dissatisfaction with political developments in Taiwan by deploying military planes and ships. In a related incident, Taiwan reported six Chinese balloons traversing over the island or through its northern airspace shortly after the election of Lai Ching-te as the new president. Lai's Democratic Progressive Party focused its campaign on themes of self-determination, social justice, and a firm stance against China's threats.

While the military posturing unfolded, United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were both present in Bangkok for talks, although the timing of the meeting was not immediately clear. This meeting follows the Biden-Xi summit in November, where efforts were made to mend strained relations arising from disagreements over various economic and geopolitical issues. A spokesperson from the US National Security Council emphasized the commitment of both leaders to "maintain strategic communication and responsibly manage the relationship."

During the anticipated talks, Foreign Minister Wang Yi was expected to articulate China's stance on Taiwan and address broader issues concerning US-China relations, as well as discuss international and regional concerns, according to statements made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Friday.

Amidst the discussions between the two nations, a pressing international concern is the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade as many shippers are forced to avoid the Suez Canal. Beijing asserted its efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Red Sea, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels have targeted international ships with missile attacks.