Chinese carrier maneuvers raise tensions near Taiwan
The Taiwanese army was put on combat readiness on Sunday after a Chinese aircraft carrier was detected near the south of the island, as announced by the Taiwanese Ministry of Defence in an official press release.
"The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning has entered the waters near the Bashi Channel and is likely heading towards the western Pacific," the ministry reported.
The statement added that "the army remains on alert, ready to respond if necessary".
Earlier on Sunday, the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese army, responsible for the area covering Taiwan, released a propaganda video on its social media accounts entitled: "Fully prepared and waiting for the time before the battle".
China wants "reunification" with Taiwan
Last Thursday, the ministry observed the presence of 27 aircraft and 14 surface vessels from the Chinese People's Liberation Army near Taiwan.
China has not ruled out using military force to regain control over Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory. Over the past two years, China has conducted three large-scale military manoeuvres employing its air force and navy to encircle the island.
The leader of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, has not ruled out the possibility of armed intervention. According to him, "the reunification of the homeland is inevitable" and is a condition for the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" that he promotes.
