China and Taiwan are inching closer to a conflict similar to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. On Thursday, Taiwan’s defense ministry stated that 51 Chinese aircraft and six ships were detected operating around the independent island.
The count of 51 included 25 aircraft that entered Taiwan’s air defense zone or crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which typically serves as an informal wall separating the two sides.
Since the visit of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, China has initiated a game of intimidation around the independent island, seemingly gaining anger each day that passes. Officials claim that China is using Pelosi’s visit as an excuse to ‘change the status quo.’
The United States has shown China that its approach to Taiwan has not changed, including the U.S. commitment to its “one China” policy and not supporting Taiwan’s formal independence.
China says Taiwan is the most critical and sensitive issue in its ties with the United States.
