Dozens of Chinese warplanes and multiple naval ships were reported near Taiwan, making it the largest coordinated display of military force this year. At least 30 planes and nine ships were detected in Taiwan’s air defense identification zone by the Ministry of National Defense. The Republic of China, the official name of Taiwan, monitored the situation and responded appropriately. This display of military force by the People’s Liberation Army came after a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden.
President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call, marking the first time they have spoken since July 2022. While details of the call were not immediately provided by the White House, it was expected that they would discuss various issues including Taiwan, narcotics, artificial intelligence, and China’s support for Russia against Ukraine. The White House described the conversation as a “check-in” between the two leaders. This conversation comes after Biden referred to Xi as a dictator last year following a confrontation involving a Chinese spy craft being shot down by the U.S. on the East Coast.
Biden has previously stated that the U.S. would intervene if China were to invade Taiwan, but the White House has since walked back this statement. The situation around Taiwan has been a topic of concern for both the U.S. and China, with tensions rising in recent years. The recent display of military force by the People’s Liberation Army near Taiwan has further heightened these tensions and raised more questions about the potential for conflict in the region.
The Chinese military presence near Taiwan has sparked concerns about the possibility of a conflict between the two nations. The Republic of China’s Armed Forces have been monitoring the situation closely and have responded with appropriate force. The U.S. and China have been engaged in ongoing discussions about various issues, including Taiwan, but the specifics of these talks have not always been made public.
The relationship between the U.S. and China has been strained in recent years, with both countries taking a hard stance on various issues. The situation around Taiwan has been a source of tension between the two nations, with conflicting interests and concerns on both sides. The recent display of military force by China near Taiwan has further escalated these tensions and raised concerns about the potential for conflict in the region.
As the situation around Taiwan continues to develop, it remains to be seen how the U.S. and China will navigate their relationship and address the various issues that are at play. The recent phone call between Biden and Xi is just one step in a larger conversation between the two nations, as they grapple with complex geopolitical challenges in the region. The world will be watching closely to see how these dynamics unfold in the coming months.
