The defense ministry of Taiwan reported that China sent more than 30 warplanes and a group of navy ships towards the island. This military action comes shortly after the announcement of an upcoming meeting between senior American and Chinese officials in Bangkok, in an effort to ease tensions.The Chinese People’s Liberation Army dispatched 33 aircraft, including SU-30 fighters, and six navy vessels towards Taiwan, between 6 a.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. on Saturday. Among these aircraft, 13 warplanes crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial boundary considered a buffer between the island and the mainland. Taiwan responded by monitoring the situation and deploying its own forces.China does not recognize Taiwan as a separate entity and has in recent times demonstrated its displeasure with the political activities in Taiwan by sending military planes and ships. Taiwan observed six Chinese balloons flying over the island or through its airspace just north of it, shortly after the election of Lai Ching-te as the new president. Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party focused its campaign on self-determination, social justice, and rejection of China’s threats.United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were both in Bangkok for talks, though the timing of the meeting was unclear. US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met in November on the sidelines of a summit, aiming to mend relations strained by disputes over various economic and geopolitical matters. US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that the planned meeting in Bangkok affirms the commitment made by Biden and Xi to maintain strategic communication and prudently handle the relationship.During the talks, Foreign Minister Wang would express China’s stance on Taiwan and US-China relations, and discuss international and regional concerns, ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday.One of the immediate international concerns for both countries is the tensions in the Red Sea, which have disrupted global trade by leading many shippers to bypass the Suez Canal. Beijing has claimed to be making constructive efforts to ease the situation, which involves Iran-backed Houthi rebels firing missiles at international ships.
