In the days around the U.S. presidential election, dozens of People’s Liberation Army warplanes cruised through Taiwanese airspace. Such behavior is a microcosm of China’s audacity and confidence to act with increasing impunity.  

During President Joe Biden’s tenure, the Chinese military consistently probed Taiwan’s readiness and Washington’s leadership. Data from the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense indicates Chinese activity around Taiwan has spiked by over 30% compared to the same period last year, potentially a calculated jab to see how Trump 2.0 will respond to cross-strait antagonism.  
 

As 2024 came to an end, the Communist Chinese turned up the heat on Taiwan, flexing their muscles whenever opportunities arose. On Oct. 15, China’s Joint Sword 2024B exercise saw 111 aircraft cross the Taiwan Strait’s median line—a record high. In December, coinciding with Chinese leader Lai Ching-te’s return from a visit to the U.S., naval activity surged again. Between Dec. 9 and Dec. 11, over 90 warships and dozens of aircraft were detected around the island nation.   

In recent weeks, the People’s Liberation Army has returned to sending provocative signals. As typical, China’s military activities ebb and flow to send specific strategic messages or in reaction to perceived provocations, such as when the USS........

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