This weekend saw yet another step-up in Chinese aggression—over 90 incursions in three days. While the world asks, “WTF!?” Taiwan rallies international support based on its IC chip industry. Taiwan supplies a good portion of the world’s semiconductors. If China invaded Taiwan, that could pretty much shut down the world’s supply of phones and computers. Coming from Taiwan, it’s almost a PR campaign: “We make your tech work; if China hurts us, then China hurts you too.”
This past weekend was a national holiday for Taiwan and China, celebrating the founding of their common government in history. It is not unusual for military saber rattling to step up about this time of year. That doesn’t mean China isn’t a threat. That means China used its easy excuse to make more threats.
The US responded by clearing its throat, reminding the world of its many military assets in the region. The Philippines wants the Mutual Defense Treaty with the US to have stronger language, clarifying just how much protection the US would bring. China thinks it has standing to object to a treaty for which it is not a party. And, China said Taiwan can expect more next year if the “collusion” between Taiwan and the US doesn’t stop. “Collusion”—that’s how China sees things. Perhaps the word “paranoid” has relevance somewhere.
Indo-Pacific
NZ opposition leader says US and UK ‘left door open’ for China in Indo-Pacific // Guardian
China
China, US in talks on military relations amid strained ties // Yahoo Canada
Taiwan
China air force sends 77 warplanes into Taiwan defense zone over two days, Taipei says // CNN
US ‘concerned’ by China’s incursion into Taiwan’s defence zone // BBC News
Military considering Taitung County for runway // Taipei Times
British warship passes through Taiwan Strait // Taipei Times
China unveils new drones, fighter jets with eye on Taipei // Taipei Times
Taiwan Says Peace Crucial to Chip Supply as China Pressure Grows // Yahoo Finance
US calls on Beijing to halt provocation of Taiwan // Taipei Times
US can ‘tamp down’ attack on Taiwan: official // Taipei Times
U.S. condemns ‘provocative’ Chinese activities near Taiwan // Yahoo UK
Hong Kong
Hong Kong man on national security trial over protest chants // Yahoo News
Philippines
Philippines defence chief says was urged by China to drop review of U.S. pact // Yahoo News