Chinese Military Activity Escalates Around Taiwan After Election

Taiwan's defense ministry reported 18 Chinese air force planes conducting "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships around Taiwan, marking the first major military activity after the recent election. China, which considers Taiwan its own territory, has regularly sent warplanes and warships near the island to assert sovereignty claims. The US urged China to show restraint and not use the election as a pretext for escalation, while a source familiar with the Biden administration's thinking suggested that Beijing may gradually increase pressure on Taiwan in the coming months. Taiwan's president-elect, Lai Ching-te, has expressed willingness to engage in talks with China but has been rebuffed, emphasizing that only Taiwan's people can determine its future.