Taiwanese armed forces have been put on high alert after China imposed sweeping air restrictions along its east coast. The Taiwanese government has informed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army has established seven restricted zones in the airspace over the provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian, which are neighboring Taiwan. The restrictions will remain in force until Wednesday, reported France Press and BTA.
Tension at sea
Taiwan's coast guard has reported increased activity of Chinese vessels operating in a "grey zone" between war and peace. According to a statement from Taipei, Beijing has no right to carry out such actions in Taiwanese waters. In response, Taiwan has undertaken "combat readiness maneuvers", involving tactical positioning and response to adversary threats.
Political tension
The escalation comes days after Taiwanese President William Lai returned from a tour of the Pacific region that drew sharp reactions from China. Beijing regards Taiwan as its province and opposes any official contact by Taipei with other countries.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense notes that the maneuvers are part of preparations for potential aggressive actions, including possible Chinese incursions into Taiwan's territorial waters or airspace.