The latest developments from the region, where the tension between the two superpowers is at its peak, has made me nervous. As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, preparations that strengthen the possibility of a new war stem from allegations that US Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi will visit Taiwan, which China claims is her territory. Following the Chinese warplanes seen near the Taiwan Strait, the US navy deployed four warships to the region. In Taiwan, military security measures were increased in response to China’s exercises. Here are the latest developments in the region…
COMBAT AIRPLANES AND SHIPS IN MOVE
China has repeatedly warned Pelosi not to visit Taiwan, which it considers its territory. The United States said yesterday that it will not be afraid of “shows of military power” by China.
Chinese warplanes were seen flying over the Taiwan Strait this morning.
A source told Reuters this morning, in addition to the warplanes seen flying in the Taiwan Strait, warships were also seen near the border line that divides the strait.
The source said China’s warplanes and ships had “squeezed” the line dividing the strait, describing the unexpected move as “quite provocative”.
Normally, Taiwanese and Chinese aircraft do not cross the border line that divides the strait, but the source told Reuters that the Chinese aircraft briefly “touched” the line, then turned and crossed to the other side of the strait, while Taiwan’s aircraft were standing by. stated.
WARSHIP MOVE FROM USA!
On the other hand, the US navy has deployed four warships, one of which is an aircraft carrier, to the east of the island of Taiwan, in what it describes as a “routine” deployment.
Speaking to Reuters, a US Navy official confirmed that the warship USS Ronald Reagan had crossed the South China Sea and is now in the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement today that it is highly aware of the military activity near Taiwan and that all forces will be deployed appropriately against “enemy threats”.
A person familiar with Pelosi’s schedule said that most meetings are scheduled to take place tomorrow, including her meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, and that the delegation could arrive in Taiwan early tomorrow.
“Nothing is clear,” the source said.
In the news in Taiwan’s Liberty Times, it was stated that Pelosi’s delegation would arrive in Taiwan at 17:20 today, but no source was cited for the news.
Pelosi, who started her Asian tour with Singapore yesterday, is expected to visit Malaysia today. In the statement made by Pelosi’s office, it was stated that she would also visit South Korea and Japan, but there was no information about Taiwan.
TAIWAN POLICE PREPARING TO PROTECT PELOSI
Taiwanese police also increased security measures in case of visitation. While the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet made an official statement about the visit, it has been learned that the Taipei City Police Department has assigned 350-400 police officers to ensure the security of the hotel where Pelosi will stay and to control traffic at the intersections where the convoy will pass. In addition to all these preparations, the National Police Service will also assign special guards for the visit.
Nancy Pelosi
THREAT EMAILS SENT
On the other hand, the Taoyuan International Airport agency said in a statement that it received threatening emails that explosives were placed at the airport to stop Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. Security at the airport is being stepped up as police continue to investigate the source of the unfounded threats.
In the statement made by Pelosi’s office regarding her trip to Asia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea were included in the visit program, while Taiwan was not mentioned.
(Reuters – UAV)