Taiwan Detects 90 Chinese Warships in South China Sea Amidst U.S. Transition

Dec 11, 2024, 09:01 AM

Taiwan has reported a significant escalation in Chinese military activity around the island, with 53 Chinese military aircraft and 19 ships detected in the past 24 hours. This surge in activity is part of what Taiwan officials describe as China's largest maritime deployment in recent memory, aimed at drawing a 'red line' for the incoming U.S. administration. The operation, which began planning in October, involves approximately 90 Chinese warships and vessels deployed across the South China Sea, surrounding Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Taiwan's Defense Ministry has condemned these actions as military intimidation, disrupting international traffic and posing a threat to regional peace and stability. China has not officially announced military exercises but has stated it is taking 'necessary measures' to defend its sovereignty over Taiwan. The deployment is seen as a response to recent diplomatic activities by Taiwan's President William Lai in the Pacific and as a signal to the U.S. ahead of the presidential transition.