Taiwans defense ministry noted a big jump in Chinese naval activity with fourteen warships spotted near the island (up from eight vessels day before) The ministry also tracked four surveillance-balloons crossing the strait — one of them passing right above Taiwan
Lai Ching-teʼs week-long Pacific journey which included stops in Hawaii and Guam triggered this military build-up. The Taiwan leader got back home on Dec 6th after visiting these U.S.-controlled areas; China sees these trips as a direct challenge to its power
The weather conditions in the strait arent good right now which might affect Chinaʼs next move. Earlier this year Beijing already ran two military practice-runs near Taiwan — showing its might in the region
No individual should step out of line on the Taiwan issue without having to pay a price
Chinaʼs state-security office put out a hard-hitting message saying Laiʼs attempts to get close to the U.S. wont work. They see Taiwan as their land; however the islandʼs government doesnt agree with this view. The ministry also said Taiwan was showing-off fake power while working with wrong-minded foreign friends