Upping the Ante

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The Chinese military conducted a “combat readiness patrol” around Taiwan’s sea and airspace this week, saying it was “a necessary action” against what it described as “US-Taiwan collusion,” Al Jazeera reported Wednesday.

Taiwanese officials said this week that 30 Chinese planes, mainly fighter jets, entered the southwestern section of its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). They added that it was the second-largest incursion of Chinese military aircraft since January.

The military drills took place as US Senator Tammy Duckworth was visiting Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian explained that Beijing had complained to the US about Duckworth’s visit, adding that such a move sends “wrong signals to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.”

China considers Taiwan part of its territory under the “One China” policy, even though both countries have been governed separately since the mid-20th century.

Even so, Zhao emphasized that Beijing will “resolutely safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

For the United States, Taiwan’s status remains ambiguous but Washington has maintained close relations with Taipei under the Taiwan Relations Act.

At the same time, the US also maintains a vague view of the “One China” policy, analysts said.