Taiwan spots 8 Chinese naval vessels, including one in its territorial waters, after Donald Trump’s Beijing visit

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said on Saturday that eight Chinese naval vessels and one official ship were spotted operating near Taiwan, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a high-profile visit to China that focused on discussions on Taiwan, trade and the war with Iran.Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement posted onThe Ministry of National Defense added that no Chinese military aircraft were sighted around Taiwan during the period. A day earlier, Taiwan reported seven Chinese naval vessels and one official vessel near its territorial waters.

Trump-Xi talks put Taiwan back in the spotlight

The latest military activity came shortly after Trump returned from Beijing following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with Taiwan remaining one of the most sensitive issues on the agenda.Trump described the summit as a meeting between “two great countries” and said he believed China was unlikely to take aggressive action against Taiwan while he was in office.“I don’t think they’re going to do anything when I’m here. When I’m not here. I think they’re probably going to do anything, honestly,” Trump told Fox News after the summit.Trump also said that China does not want Taiwan to declare formal independence. “This is not an acquisition. They just don’t want to see this place — we call it a place because no one knows how to define it — but they don’t want to see it stand on its own,” he said.According to the Associated Press, Xi Jinping privately warned Trump during the talks that differences over Taiwan could plunge the United States and China into confrontation or conflict.

Questions about U.S. support for Taiwan

Trump’s comments also raised new questions about Washington’s long-term policy toward Taiwan. The US president has called Taiwan “a somewhat difficult problem” due to China’s geographical and military advantages.“When you look at the possibilities, you see China is a very, very powerful power. That’s a very small island. Think about it; it’s 59 miles away. We’re 9,500 miles away,” Trump told Fox News.Trump also confirmed that he has not yet decided whether to proceed with previously approved U.S. weapons programs against Taiwan after hearing objections from Xi Jinping during the visit.The proposed arms sales are still under review.

Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to bring the self-governing island under its control, including by force if necessary.However, Taiwan has its own government, military and economy and operates independently.This issue remains one of the biggest hot spots in U.S.-China relations.In recent years, Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan’s surrounding areas by frequently deploying its navy and air force near Taiwan.