China Displays Military aircraft carrier Near Taiwan Amid US-China Talks
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After a meeting between the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China has escalated regional tensions by sending its aircraft carrier to the Taiwan Strait.
According to a statement released by the People's Liberation Army of China, the aircraft carrier Liaoning transited the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday while escorted by two escort ships. (PLA). The three warships were under constant surveillance by Taiwan's armed forces throughout the journey.
The Liaoning's successful navigation of the Taiwan Strait comes only a few days after Blinken and Wang met in Alaska on Thursday. Since President Joe Biden took office in January, this was the first time that the senior officials from both nations had gotten together for a meeting.
2 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities. pic.twitter.com/1iHNMNTXUK
— ??? Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. ?? (@MoNDefense) April 7, 2023The meeting was highlighted by tense confrontations over Beijing's human rights record and its operations in the South China Sea, which led to an overall tense atmosphere. Blinken accused Beijing of "coercive and unjust economic policies," while Wang accused the United States of "meddling" in China's domestic affairs. Both accusations were leveled at the Chinese government.
The PLA needed to connect the meeting and the aircraft carrier's journey in its statement. However, it was said that this action was a part of the routine exercises and training conducted for "testing and enhancing the troops' combined combat capabilities."
Nevertheless, some believe that the time of the passage must be addressed in light of the heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington.
The decision is seen as a direct threat to the United States, given that Washington has long tried to develop relations with Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province.
The United States has provided Taiwan with military assistance for many decades. The United States Navy has been conducting regular freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait and the seas around Taiwan.
Since 2016, a Chinese aircraft carrier has traversed the Taiwan Strait on five separate occasions, the most recent being the passage of the Liaoning. Recently, Chinese boats have also been seen sailing near the coastlines of Taiwan, which has prompted the island nation of Taiwan to send out its navy in retaliation.
The most recent passage of the Liaoning River will almost certainly ratchet up the tension in the surrounding area, which may lead to increased military operations in the Taiwan Strait.
The step China has taken is being seen as a display of might and a message to the United States government not to undermine Beijing's claims over Taiwan. Even while it is improbable that the passage of the Liaoning would result in a military war between China and the United States, this step may make it more difficult for Washington to keep positive ties with China and Taiwan.
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