Defense officials in Taiwan reported Sunday that China’s Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Group was maneuvering near the Bashi Channel, an area adjacent to the island’s southern coast. The incident occurred shortly after the Chinese military released a propaganda video declaring its forces were "prepared for battle."
The presence of the warships comes several days after China’s government condemned remarks made by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, in which the separatist leader criticized the communist regime during a speech commemorating his country’s National Day.
The actions follow warnings from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who on Friday advised Beijing’s armed forces against any “provocative” measures after Lai’s appearance at the annual holiday celebrating the founding of the Republic of China.
Previous anti-China comments made by Lai have resulted in the deployment of naval vessels around Taiwan’s territory, including exercises in May that were described by Chinese authorities as “punishment” for statements he made in his inauguration address.
China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province, and tensions have intensified in recent years due to the ongoing positioning of Chinese military forces along its borders.
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