World War Three fears SURGE as Chinese WARSHIPS gather off US-backed ‘rebel’ Taiwan (Source express.co.uk)

FEARS armed conflict could breakout between superpowers China and the US have dramatically increased after the Chinese navy significantly boosted patrols around Taiwan, in an apparent response to American naval activity in the area. The Taiwanese defence ministry warned it has seen an increase in patrols by Chinese warships around the island. Beijing claims ownership of Taiwan as part of its ‘One China’ policy. The US supports Taiwanese independence, and frequently sends naval forces into the area. Taiwan claims “irregular” patrols by Chinese naval vessels in the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from mainland China, are so common they are now “routine”. The defence ministry claimed it has “effectively monitored the situations and movements around the Taiwan Strait by means of air and naval mechanisms to ensure national security”. Chinese warships have been moving closer to Taiwan, sailing near the middle of the 112-mile strait which separates the two states. Increased activity by the Chinese navy appears to at least partly be a response to US military activity in the area.