Taiwan reports 14 Chinese warships and four balloons near the island

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense stated that between Saturday and Sunday, China dispatched 14 warships, 7 military aircraft, and 4 balloons near Taiwan. This action is seen as an escalation of Beijing's pressure on Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.

The Chinese military activity comes amid speculation that Beijing may be organizing military exercises around Taiwan. It is speculated that this move is a response to Taiwan's regional leader, Lai Ching-te's recent visit to Pacific allies, including Hawaii and Guam in the United States.

China claims the self-governing democratic region of Taiwan, with its 23 million people, as its territory and expresses displeasure at other countries' formal interactions with Taiwan. The United States, like most countries, does not recognize Taiwan as a country but is Taiwan's main unofficial supporter and sells it weapons.

The Chinese government has pledged to annex Taiwan, using military force if necessary, and sends ships and military aircraft near Taiwan almost daily. According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, the 14 warships, 7 military aircraft, and 4 balloons were detected within a 24-hour period from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said that 6 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial demarcation line between Taiwan and China. Additionally, one balloon flew over the northern tip of Taiwan.

Lai Ching-te called on China last Friday not to take threatening actions, saying that Beijing's military exercises "cannot win" the respect of neighboring countries. Lai's first overseas trip since taking office in May included visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, three of the 12 countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The rest of the world, including the United States, maintains official relations with China. Lai's stops in Hawaii and Guam—during which he held phone calls with US congressional leaders—angered China, which opposes US arms sales and military aid to Taiwan.

There is widespread speculation that China may organize military exercises against Taiwan in response to this visit, but it is currently unclear when the exercises will begin. Last October, China held exercises against Taiwan, deploying a record single-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and 12 Chinese government ships in response to Lai's remarks, in which he rejected Beijing's claims over Taiwan.

Beijing has labeled Lai Ching-te a separatist and refuses to engage in dialogue with him.