US and Taiwan Coast Guard hold meeting, neglecting Chinese warning

Taipei/ Washington/ Beijing: Taiwan and the United States Coast Guard meet despite Chinese warnings. This meeting amid the constant intrusion of the Chinese Navy and Naval Militia into Taiwan’s region draws attention. In this conference, the issue of ongoing illegal and uncontrolled activities in the maritime region near Taiwan was discussed. At the same time, the Taiwan foreign ministry informed about the discussion regarding the joint campaigns to be implemented in the marine region.

Over the last few months, China has become aggressive over Taiwan. Last month, the leader of the Communist Party and Chinese President Xi Jinping had sternly warned over the Taiwan merger. China would take resolute action to utterly defeat any attempt toward Taiwan independence, warned Jinping. Moreover, China accelerated its movements in the region near Taiwan, as Jinping issued this warning.

Over 150 Stealth fighter jets have been deployed at the East China Sea alongside Taiwan Strait. Since June, China has been holding war exercises in the South China Sea. Besides, this includes a mock drill of attacking Taiwan. On the other hand, claims have surfaced that the Chinese Naval Militia that provides for fishing boats and ships has been consistently invading the Taiwan maritime limit. Also, Chinese fighter jets and warships are making rounds in this region. As China intensifies its Grey Zone Warfare, the United States has also extended its cooperation to Taiwan.

Furthermore, the Marine Patrol Working Group conference is considered a part of the same plan. A few months ago, while indicating changes in its policy, the US coast guard said that it would initiate marine campaigns in the Pacific region if the need arises. This indication seems like a warning to China. Following this, the United States has indicated implementing a joint campaign by meeting with the Taiwan coast guard.

Following this meeting, the United States has also invited Taiwan to the World Democracy Summit in December. This summit is considered a part of US President Joe Biden’s policy. In the announcement made by the United States, US State Secretary Antony Blinken mentioned Taiwan as a democracy. This has caused humiliation to China; mouthpiece Global Times has given a stern warning to the United States.

By inviting Taiwan to the Democracy Summit, the United States and Taiwan would violate the ‘Red Line’ drawn by China. The Global Times article warned that Chinese fighter jets would fly over Taiwan and take stern action against it after this incident. China’s ‘Taiwan Affairs Office’ has also strongly warned the United States. It has warned the United States to quit sending a wrong message to the groups that support Taiwan’s independence.

Meanwhile, news has surfaced that on Thursday, six Chinese jets invaded Taiwan’s space. These planes include four fighter jets and two patrol jets. The fighter jets include J-16 planes and the two patrol planes are Shaanxi Y-8 W and Shaanxi Y-8 ELINT, informed the Taiwan Defence Department.

Earlier, on 17 June, seven Chinese planes had raided the Taiwan airspace. Following that incident, the incident from Thursday is the first one in the last two months.