Chinese Aircraft Carrier Approaches Taiwan As Military Releases Battle-Ready Video

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that a Chinese aircraft carrier group, led by the Liaoning, sailed near the island’s southern waters on October 13, 2024.

China’s military released a video declaring that it is prepared for battle, which has raised concerns about new war games in Taiwan.

The Chinese carrier group entered waters close to the Bashi Channel, which connects the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean and separates Taiwan from the Philippines.

Taiwan’s defense authorities said the group was expected to move into the western Pacific.

In response, Taiwan’s armed forces have remained on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation, though no further details were provided.

The tensions between China and Taiwan escalated after Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, made certain statements during his National Day speech last week.

Lai reiterated that China has no right to represent Taiwan while extending an offer to work together on global issues like climate change.

Beijing, on the other hand, was offended by his remarks as it considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and denounces Lai as a separatist.

Taiwanese security sources had expressed concerns that it would lead to further military exercises similar to those held in May.

China referred to the earlier exercises as punishment for Lai’s inauguration speech.

On the same day that the carrier group approached, China’s People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command posted a video on social media showing its military capabilities.

The video featured amphibious vehicles, fighter jets, missile launchers, warships, and a symbolic map of Taiwan embedded in the title.

The command stated that the military was fully prepared and bidding time before the battle.

Although China has not ruled out using force to take control of Taiwan, official Chinese government channels, including the Defense Ministry and Taiwan Affairs Office, had not commented on the matter as of October 13.

However, the Chinese media has continued to criticize Lai’s latest remarks as hostile.

A senior Taiwanese security official said Taiwan is closely monitoring military operations and Chinese media reactions to Lai’s remarks.

China’s Commerce Ministry also threatened Taiwan with new trade sanctions over the weekend. Despite the tensions, Lai’s government continues to reject China’s sovereignty claims, with officials stating that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

Reference: Reuters

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Source: Maritime Shipping News