In a significant show of force, more than 20 Chinese warplanes were detected around Taiwan, with 11 breaching a sensitive median line that separates the self-ruled island from China, according to Taipei’s defense ministry. This development comes in the aftermath of the weekend’s presidential election and is the first notable display of military strength in the region.
The defense ministry, which regularly reports on Chinese military activities near Taiwan, disclosed that within the 24 hours leading up to 6 am (2200 GMT), a total of 24 warplanes and 5 ships were detected. Of particular concern was the fact that 11 of the identified aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan’s southwest and north air defense identification zones.
Democratic Taiwan, with its own government, military, and currency, remains a contentious issue for China, which claims the island as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control.
The recently concluded presidential election was won by the Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai Ching-te, a figure that China views as a “separatist.” Beijing had issued warnings ahead of the voting day, asserting that his victory would result in “war and decline” for Taiwan.
While China maintains a regular military presence around Taiwan, the immediate aftermath of the election did not witness an unusually high number of warplanes or naval vessels. However, China made an early move in the political arena, with the Pacific nation Nauru abruptly shifting its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, leaving Taiwan with just 12 countries or states that still recognize it.
Notably, the largest number of Chinese warplanes detected in a 24-hour period occurred in September when Taiwan identified 103 Chinese aircraft around the island, with 40 of them crossing the median line.
The continuous presence of Chinese warplanes and naval vessels around Taiwan is often regarded as a “grey zone” tactic, stopping short of outright warfare. Conflict experts suggest that this tactic falls within a strategic ambiguity designed to assert influence without escalating into full-blown conflict.
As geopolitical tensions persist in the region, the situation around Taiwan remains a focal point, with military posturing and political maneuvers shaping the complex dynamics between China and the self-governing island.
Sources By Agencies
