China has increased its presence in the waters and airspace around Taiwan, repeatedly sending large groups of military aircraft and ships for exercises near the island. The Chinese Coast Guard is also conducting patrols in the area.
Last week, China conducted a one-day military exercise focused on rehearsing the "blockade of important ports and key areas," with live-fire maneuvers near its southern province of Fujian, aimed at Taiwan. These actions were carried out shortly after an extensive exercise by sea and air in response to the Taiwanese president's rejection of Beijing's sovereignty claims.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that the Chinese maneuvers were part of an annual exercise and that they were monitoring the situation to assess possible implications for the dynamics of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan, a self-governing island, is claimed by China as part of its territory.
During these exercises, Taiwan recorded the presence of a total of 153 aircraft, 14 military ships, and 12 Chinese government vessels in a single day, record figures. In response to Chinese operations, the United States continues to organize "freedom of navigation" transits through the Taiwan Strait, with the presence of destroyers and frigates from various nationalities.
Tensions in the region have risen in recent years, with an increase in Chinese military presence and ongoing displays of support for Taiwan by other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Germany.
