Taiwan has accused China of deploying a large number of ships around its territory in the Pacific archipelago, saying the activity is undermining peace and disrupting international shipping and trade. The move comes after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visited Hawaii and Guam despite China’s insistence that he is banned from overseas trips.
According to local media reports, 90 Chinese ships are involved, including 60 navy vessels and 30 coast guard boats. The deployment has been described as a show of military strength, with the ships forming two walls around Taiwan. The country’s military has detected the ships in both Taiwanese waters and farther afield, indicating that China is pursuing a different strategy in its claims over Taiwan.
Experts say the move may be an indication that China is planning to hold military drills despite concerns over diplomatic tensions. Kuo Yujen, an Asia-Pacific security expert at the National Sun Yat-Sen University, suggested that the participation of coast guard ships is a new development and indicates a change in strategy for China. The deployment has also been seen as a signal to US President-elect Donald Trump, who is due to take office early next year.
Trump told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he would defend Taiwan against potential Chinese aggression, but emphasized that he needs to negotiate with China on the issue. He had previously spoken with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but did not discuss the Taiwan issue during their conversation. The deployment of Chinese ships around Taiwan has further heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations and raises concerns over regional security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/11/global-chemical-weapons-watchdog-calls-emergency-meeting-over-syrian-stockpile