Taiwan Alarmed by Record Chinese Military Activity

Taiwan urged China to halt “destructive unilateral actions” on Monday after detecting a record 103 Chinese aircraft and nine warships near the island.

The Ministry of Defense said this poses a severe challenge to Taiwan Strait security. The ministry warned of a potential rise in regional tensions.

China sees Taiwan as a province yet to join the mainland. It has recently increased both military and diplomatic pressure.

Out of the planes spotted, 40 crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line. They entered Taiwan’s air defense zone. Nine Chinese navy ships were also detected.

Earlier, Taipei had reported 28 Chinese warplanes near the island. Twenty of them had crossed the strait’s median line.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mao Ning, stated Taiwan is part of China. He also dismissed the idea of a median line.

Background

Last week, Taiwan reported more Chinese military aircraft and ships. This came after China declared itself on “high alert” due to U.S. and Canadian naval activity.

Taiwan identified 68 aircraft and 10 ships near its area last week. Some were heading for training with China’s Shandong aircraft carrier.

Japan’s Defense Ministry also saw six Chinese ships south of Miyakojima Island, east of Taiwan.

Analysts suggest China aims to counter U.S. influence in the Asia-Pacific. The U.S. recently held military exercises with several allies in the region.

In April, China ran a three-day exercise simulating a Taiwan blockade.

This followed a meeting between Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Taiwan then detected 71 Chinese planes in 24 hours, tying a previous record set in December 2022.