China Increases Military Pressure on Taiwan Amidst U.S.-China Meeting
On Friday, Beijing conducted a significant military show of force towards Taiwan, deploying numerous aircraft and naval vessels. This occurred on the same day as a meeting between U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which aimed to stabilize U.S.-China relations.
According to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, China dispatched 33 military aircraft and six naval vessels towards Taiwan from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday local time. Thirteen of these planes crossed the Taiwan Strait.
This increased military pressure from China comes at a time when both countries are attempting to improve their strained relations. During the meeting between Sullivan and Wang, the launch of a collaborative U.S.-China “Counternarcotics Working Group” to address the fentanyl crisis was confirmed.
A senior administration official stated that during the meeting, Sullivan emphasized the United States’ stance on competition without seeking conflict or confrontation with China, highlighting areas of potential cooperation between the two nations.
However, China’s military actions in the past 24 hours may complicate efforts to foster collaboration.
Taiwan’s Sensitivity and the U.S.-China Relationship
China’s approach to Taiwan, considering it as its territory, remains a contentious issue in its relationship with the U.S., which supports Taiwan’s self-governing status. The topic is consistently raised during U.S.-China meetings, including the high-profile talks between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November.
During the recent two-day meeting between Sullivan and Wang in Bangkok, discussions were held regarding reopening military-to-military communications, tackling the fentanyl issue, and managing the risks associated with artificial intelligence.
Sullivan reiterated the U.S.’ stance on maintaining the status quo of Taiwan’s sovereignty, but China has consistently rejected this position and openly displayed its intention to reunify Taiwan with the mainland.
Increased Tension and the U.S. Response
China’s military pressure on Taiwan occurs during what senior administration officials have referred to as “a period of higher tension.”
Recently, Taiwan voters elected Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te as their next president. Lai’s support for maintaining Taiwan’s status quo made him an unpopular candidate with China.
Prior to the election, the U.S. prepared for a range of possible responses from China. A senior administration official mentioned the necessity for contingency plans, highlighting the importance of being prepared for various scenarios.
While specifics were not disclosed, the U.S. remains committed to addressing any outcome that may arise.