The competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continued to heat up over the past several weeks. The most worrisome developments center on Taiwan. Earlier this month, according to Taiwan’s ministry of defense, the CCP sent a record number of military aircraft into the island nation’s airspace. This deliberate provocation was intended to intimidate not only Taipei, but also Washington. 

The U.S. has been supplying Taiwan with billions of dollars in arms and training as part of an effort to ward off Beijing. But there is growing alarm that this might not be possible. 

While Taiwan may be the most important flashpoint between the two rivals, it isn’t the only source of tension. Let’s take a look at some of the recent developments between the two sides, including how China and Russia continue to bolster each other’s hand against the U.S. and its allies. 

The CCP refuses to say it is competing with the U.S.