China steps up military pressure on Taiwan

Chinese authorities have increased their military presence around Taiwan by deploying dozens of ships and aircraft, a move by Beijing to ramp up military pressure on the island and deter any potential moves toward independence.

Taiwanese security forces have issued warnings about these intensified manoeuvres, which include the deployment of at least 70 vessels, among them several warships, in waters to the north and south of Taiwan, from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea.

This deployment, observed throughout May, has raised alarm bells in what many see as one of the world's geopolitical hotspots due to its strategic and commercial significance—nearly 20% of global goods transit through this crucial strait.

China has also stepped up its reconnaissance and surveillance operations by deploying fighter jets in the surrounding area, and continues to insist that Taiwan is part of its territory under the "One China" principle. This doctrine stipulates that there's only one state recognised by that name, and that Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan all belong to this single national entity.

(MH with FM - Source: El Pais - Photo: © Unsplash)