It seems, the Chinese are not bluffing this time!
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Сhina dispatches state-of-the-art warships – media
Two Chinese aircraft carriers set out to sea as warplanes buzz the Strait of Taiwan, local media report
FILE PHOTO. China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning (C), sailing during a drill at sea. © AFP
A number of Chinese warplanes have been seen flying close to the median line dividing the Taiwan Strait, sources close to the matter have told Reuters. Meanwhile, Taiwanese media report that at least two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, have left their ports and could be heading towards the strait as well.
China has escalated its military presence on the Taiwan Strait as US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly expected to arrive in Taipei later on Tuesday.
The escalation comes after China repeatedly warned against Pelosi going to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, while the White House has dismissed these threats as
“saber rattling.”
Media reports suggest that both Chinese warships and aircraft have been
“squeezing” the median line since Tuesday morning, which is described as an unusual move and
“very provocative” according to Reuter’s sources, as neither Beijing’s nor Taipei’s aircraft normally cross the line.
Additionally, residents of the southeastern city of Xiamen, which lies opposite Taiwan and houses a large military base, have reportedly posted pictures online allegedly showing Chinese armored vehicles on the move, though these images have yet to be verified.
