Taiwan, located in the northern part of the South China Sea, is currently one of the most tense regions in the world, with China claiming control of the island and describing the government in Taipei as separatist. The new head of state, Lai Qing, was inaugurated in the island's capital in May, to which Beijing responded angrily: first they verbally criticized the politician, then they began to show force and parade the army around Taiwan. This move indicates that China may be willing to use its armed forces to impose its will.
As the island government's most important ally is the United States, Taipei could not leave Beijing's actions unanswered either: a few days after China's maneuvers, there were reports of a joint military exercise with the US Navy.
It was not clear from the report specifically the number and type of military equipment that participated in the maneuvers. Those involved claim that the meeting was not planned at all, but was just a coincidence. In the near future, it is expected that several large-scale military exercises will be announced in the Far East, in which one of the largest American aircraft carriers, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, will also appear.
According to the sources Such “unplanned military exercises” are necessary for Washington to effectively coordinate its actions with Taipei in the event of an emergency. The military alliance was also indicated by Taiwanese Chief of Staff Mei Chi-su's appearance in Hawaii at the change of command ceremony for US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) on May 3, 2024, without a formal announcement or recognition.
The cover image is an illustration. Cover image source: Getty Images
