30-May-2024, Thur.
Taiwan has detected 38 Chinese military aircraft and 11 ships operating around the country, according to the Ministry of National Defence of Taiwan. This recent activity is part of a broader pattern of increased Chinese military presence in the Taiwan Strait region, which has been escalating since September 2020.
The 38 Chinese military aircraft detected by Taiwan include seven naval vessels and four coast guard ships. This is the latest in a series of such detections, with Taiwan tracking 62 Chinese military aircraft and 27 naval vessels on May 25, and eight aircraft and five naval vessels on May 26.
The increased activity is seen as a form of “grey zone tactics” by China, which involves the incremental use of military assets without crossing the threshold of direct force.
Taiwan has responded to these Chinese military activities by deploying its aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation and defend its airspace and waters. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence has issued daily reports on Chinese military activities, including identifying those aircraft, drones, and balloons that cross the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
The increased military activity in the Taiwan Strait region is a reflection of the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. China looks at Taiwan as a rebel territory and has more than once communicated expectations to reunify it with the central area, regardless of whether forcibly. Taiwan, on the other hand, maintains its sovereignty and has been strengthening its military capabilities to deter any potential Chinese aggression. The recent detections of Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels are part of a larger trend of increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan. Since September 2020, China has strengthened its utilization of ill-defined situation strategies by steadily expanding the number of military airplanes and maritime boats working around Taiwan. This escalation has led to Taiwan deploying its armed forces to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
In summary, Taiwan has detected 38 Chinese military aircraft and 11 ships operating around the country, which is part of a broader pattern of increased Chinese military presence in the Taiwan Strait region. Taiwan has responded to these activities by deploying its military assets and monitoring the situation closely. The ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China highlight the need for continued vigilance and military preparedness in the region.
- Tensions with China: China has been conducting large-scale military drills around Taiwan, which Taiwan sees as a threat. This comes after the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, who has angered China with his stance on independence. Al Jazeera
- Domestic Politics: Taiwan’s legislature recently passed changes to some laws that are seen as favoring China and reducing the president’s power. This has sparked protests in Taiwan. AP News
- US Support: The US Senate recently passed an aid package that includes support for Taiwan, which has been welcomed by the Taiwanese government. The Hindu
- Defense: A US Congressman has called on Taiwan to increase its defense spending to counter China’s growing military power. Focus Taiwan.
