China Intensifies Military and Coast Guard Activities Near Taiwan Ahead of Inauguration

In a show of force, China has ramped up patrols and military exercises near Taiwan as the island prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te.

• China's coast guard conducted patrols near Kinmen, entering restricted Taiwanese waters, coinciding with increased military activity including PLA aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait's median line.
• The patrols are part of a series of actions since February, following an incident involving the drowning of Chinese fishermen, which has heightened tensions between the two sides.
• Taiwan's defense systems detected significant Chinese military presence, including warplanes and navy vessels, as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island.
• U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged restraint from all parties during a recent visit to China, highlighting international concerns over the escalating situation.
• President-elect Lai Ching-te, viewed by Beijing as a separatist, will be inaugurated on May 20, with his policies and stance towards China being closely scrutinized.

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