Taiwan says China doubled its warship presence near the island

This was reported by Reuters.

According to the agency, the number of Chinese ships reached 14 during this time — twice as many as the day before.

The report stated that this escalation comes amid growing tensions tied to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent visits to Hawaii and Guam as part of his Pacific Ocean tour. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, views such visits as provocative.

Taiwan's defense ministry also confirmed spotting four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait, with one balloon flying over the island’s northern region.

Meanwhile, China's Ministry of State Security issued a statement accusing President Lai of weakness and seeking independence.

The Chinese defense ministry further claimed Taiwan's government was putting on a false show of force and accused the U.S. of colluding with gangsters and jackals to back Taiwan.

Taiwan, however, stands firm on its right to independence, rejecting Beijing’s claims.

• For context, on November 30, the U.S. State Department approved a $385 million deal to sell spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems to Taiwan.