The United States is Taiwan's most important international
supporter and arms supplier despite the absence of formal
diplomatic ties. Blinken said he had stressed the "critical
importance" of maintaining peace and stability across the strait
while in China.
Democratically governed Taiwan has faced increased military
pressure from China, which views the island as its own
territory. Taiwan's government rejects those claims.
Taiwan's defense ministry said that from 9:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on
Saturday it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including
Su-30 fighters, of which 12 had crossed the median line to
Taiwan's north and centre.
The line once served as an unofficial border between the two
sides over which neither sides' military crossed, but China's
air force now regularly sends aircraft over it. China says it
does not recognize the line's existence.
Taiwan's defense ministry said the aircraft were involved in
"joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships, adding
that Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded "appropriately". It
did not give details.
China's defense ministry did not answer calls seeking comment
outside of office hours on Saturday.
Taiwan's armed forces are well-equipped and well-trained but
dwarfed by those of China's, especially the navy and air force,
which respond almost daily to Chinese missions.
China considers Taiwan the most important issue in its relations
with the United States, and Beijing has repeatedly demanded
Washington end weapons sales to Taiwan.
Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te takes office on May 20 after
winning January's election. Beijing considers him a dangerous
separatist and has rebuffed his repeated calls for talks.
Lai said on Thursday that China should have the confidence to
talk to Taiwan's legally elected government. Like outgoing
President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide
their future.
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by William Mallard)
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