777 runny Taiwan says on ‘alert’ as China aircraft carrier detected to its south
A Taiwanese flag is seen as Taiwan’s Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team jets fly by during Taiwan’s 113th National Day celebrations in Taipei on October 10, 2024. Agence France-Presse
TAIPEI — Taiwan was on “alert” as it detected a Chinese aircraft carrier to its south on Sunday, the self-ruled island’s defence ministry said.
“China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier group has entered waters near the Bashi Channel and is likely to proceed into the western Pacific,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that its military “remains on alert, prepared to respond as necessary”.
Article continues after this advertisementChina has ramped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years, sending in warplanes and other military aircraft while Chinese ships maintain a near-constant presence around its waters.
FEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION Putin hosts summit to show West it can't keep Russia off global stage GLOBALNATION China says it reached 'resolution' with India on contested border issues GLOBALNATION Eyes on the prize: One man rides high to reach his goalREAD: Chinese carrier sails through northeast Taiwan waters
The Liaoning aircraft carrier detection comes after US State Secretary Antony Blinken warned China on Friday against taking any “provocative” action on Taiwan, following a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te during the island’s National Day celebrations a day earlier.
Article continues after this advertisementLai, who China calls a “separatist”, vowed Thursday to “resist annexation” of the island, and insisted Beijing and Taipei were “not subordinate to each other”.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: ‘Misleading’ Taiwan independence remarks
China warned after the speech that Lai’s “provocations” would result in “disaster” for the people of Taiwan.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter