US President Donald Trump has held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping amid rising tensions over Taiwan, as dozens of Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels were spotted circling the disputed island.

China’s military buildup around Taiwan signals a shift from posturing to real preparation pushing the region closer to conflict

Tensions are simmering in Asia as military maneuvers near the disputed island spark fears of a looming conflict

Beijing deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups and several warships north and south of Taiwan last month, raising tensions.

Rising Tensions In Taiwan Strait As China Accuses Taipei Of Cyberattack, More Than 60 Sorties Of Chinese Aircraft Detected

Reporting from Beijing, NBC’s Janis Mackey Frayer examines Taiwan’s urgent military buildup—including U.S.-made HIMARS systems—as fears mount over a potential Chinese invasion. McCain Institute Executive Director,

China sent an average of 50 to 70 vessels per day across the first island chain between May 1 and 27. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Taiwan has reported a significant surge in Chinese military activity around the island, including numerous aircraft sorties and naval vessel presence.

Beijing says the US is touting Cold War mentality after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls China threat to the region.

China, meanwhile, has stepped up its own naming efforts. In March, it publicly accused four individuals tied to Taiwan’s military of launching cyberattacks and collecting sensitive information. While public attribution is common in the West, such moves by China are relatively new.

China on Sunday accused Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth of attempting to “sow division” in Asia, issuing a fierce rebuke after the U.S. defense secretary said Beijing posed an “imminent” threat to the region and was gearing up to invade Taiwan.

Once again, the former Formosa island faces China's aggressive show of force. A fleet of Chinese warships has encircled the area, raising tensions in Taiwan. International relations experts believe this is a direct challenge to the United States.