Taiwan “on alert” after detecting a Chinese aircraft carrier in the south of the island

The Taiwanese army is placed “on alert“, Sunday October 13, after detecting a Chinese aircraft carrier to the south of the island, announced the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense in a press release. “The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning has entered the waters near the Bashi Channel and is probably heading towards the Western Pacific”explained the ministry, specifying that the army is “ready to react if necessary”.

Beijing has intensified its military and political pressure on Taiwan in recent years. China has never renounced using military force to regain control of the island, which it considers a part of its territory to be reunited one day. It has organized three series of large-scale maneuvers over the past two years, using its air force and navy to encircle the island.

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have been terrible since 2016 and the arrival as Taiwanese president of Tsai Ing-wen, then of her successor Lai Ching-te this year. The latter recently committed to “resist annexation” Chinese on the island. Beijing reacted by warning that “provocations” of the Taiwanese president will lead to a “disaster” for his people.