• Source:JND
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Following a warning from the United States to Beijing regarding "provocative" actions concerning the self-governing island, Taiwan announced that it was "on alert" after detecting a Chinese aircraft carrier group to the south on Sunday.

In a statement, the ministry noted, "China's Liaoning aircraft carrier group has entered waters near the Bashi Channel and is expected to move into the western Pacific." It also emphasised that its military "is on alert and ready to respond as needed."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned China against taking any actions following a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te during the island's National Day celebrations. In recent years, China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, deploying warplanes and other military aircraft while maintaining a near-constant naval presence in the region.

Lai, labelled a "separatist" by China, pledged on Thursday to "resist the annexation" of the island and asserted that Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to one another." Following his speech, China cautioned that Lai's "provocations" could lead to "disaster" for the people of Taiwan.

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China's Military Releases Propaganda Video 

China views Taiwan as a part of its territory, and tensions have escalated in recent years due to the frequent presence of Chinese ships in waters close to the island. Taiwan observes its national day while facing threats from China.

The Bashi Channel, which links the South China Sea to the Pacific, lies between Taiwan and the Philippines. The ministry stated that "the Taiwanese military is utilising joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems to monitor relevant activities closely and is on standby, ready to respond if needed."

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This operation followed shortly after China's military released a propaganda video on social media titled "Fully Prepared and Biding One's Time Before Battle".