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China ramps up pressure on Taiwan after controversial U.S. visits

Chinese naval forces showed no signs of let-up Monday against Taiwan, flying warplanes again close to the self-ruled island days after a pair of controversial U.S. congressional visits that infuriated Beijing.

People’s Liberation Army warships and warplanes sharply escalated what Pentagon officials have called coercive military activities near Taiwan beginning in early August, following the visit to Taipei by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

But instead of a falling off of military activities after a second congressional delegation to the island last week, the PLA is maintaining an aggressive tempo of naval and air activities.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said Monday that five PLA warships and 15 aircraft were spotted “around our surrounding region” Monday.