Beijing escalates military tensions with Taiwan amid the resumption of U.S.-China discussions.

On Friday, Beijing directed numerous military aircraft and naval vessels towards Taiwan, coinciding with a low-profile meeting between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, aimed at stabilizing bilateral relations. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that between 6 a.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday local time, China dispatched 33 military aircraft and six naval vessels toward Taiwan, with 13 planes crossing the Taiwan Strait.

This military escalation occurs as the United States and China seek to mend relations after a tense period. In their meeting, Sullivan and Wang affirmed plans to establish a collaborative U.S.-China “Counternarcotics Working Group” to address the fentanyl crisis.

A senior administration official emphasized that while the U.S. acknowledges competition with China, it does not seek conflict, highlighting areas of potential cooperation. However, China’s recent military maneuvers may complicate these cooperative efforts.

The sensitive issue of Taiwan remains a major point of contention between the two nations, with China considering it a part of its territory, while the U.S. supports Taiwan’s self-governing status. Sullivan reiterated the U.S. stance on maintaining Taiwan’s sovereignty during the Bangkok meeting, but China continues to assert its intention to “reunify” Taiwan with the mainland.

The military pressure on Taiwan coincides with what senior administration officials have termed “a period of higher tension.” The recent election of Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te as Taiwan’s next president, known for supporting the status quo, further complicates the situation. Prior to the election, the U.S. anticipated various responses from China, emphasizing the need to be prepared for different scenarios.