China has sent warships and warplanes to Taiwan for the second day in a row.
Beijing is displeased with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the United States and her meeting with top US politician Kevin McCarthy. China also introduces sanctions against American organizations.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said three Chinese warships sailed near the island on Friday and a fighter jet and helicopter were spotted around Taiwan, just like the day before. Eyewitnesses see even more helicopters flying.
Tsai, who arrived back in Taipei on Friday, says he will not succumb to pressure and that Taiwan will always maintain relations with other countries.
‘Inseparable part of China’
China reiterated on Friday that Taiwan is an “inseparable part of China.” Beijing had already indicated before the meeting with McCarthy that it would respond “firmly”.
When McCarthy’s predecessor Nancy Pelosi traveled to Taiwan last summer, massive Chinese military exercises followed around the island. Compared to then, China’s response now seems to be much better than expected. At the moment, Chinese President Xi Jinping is still visiting his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. It leaves on Friday.
Sanctions
Beijing also announced sanctions over Tsai’s trip on Friday. These include the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, where the meeting with McCarthy took place, and the Hudson Institute in New York, where Tsai gave a speech. They can no longer do business or cooperate with Chinese companies and organizations.
The unofficial Taiwanese ambassador to the US has also been put on the sanctions list.