In a concerning development, Taiwan has called on China to cease its “destructive unilateral actions” after detecting more than 100 Chinese warplanes and nine navy ships in areas surrounding the self-ruled island. The announcement comes as tensions continue to rise in the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing asserting its claims over Taiwan and increasing diplomatic and military pressure on the island nation.
The defense ministry of Taiwan reported that within a 24-hour period from the morning of September 17 to September 18, it had identified a total of 103 Chinese planes, marking a “recent high.” This sudden surge in Chinese military activity has raised significant concerns for security in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding region.
Taiwan’s defense ministry warned that Beijing’s ongoing military provocations could lead to a sharp escalation of tensions, further deteriorating regional security. Consequently, Taiwan called on China to “immediately stop such destructive unilateral actions.”
Of particular concern is the fact that 40 of the detected Chinese warplanes crossed what is known as the “median line” of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s southwest and southeast air defense identification zones (ADIZ). This deliberate breach of airspace adds to the growing list of provocations by China.
China’s foreign ministry did not directly address the military sorties but reaffirmed its position that Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory. Mao Ning, China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, dismissed the idea of a “median line,” emphasizing that Taiwan falls within China’s sovereign territory.
The recent spike in military activities by China follows last week’s incidents, where Chinese warplanes and naval vessels were observed in close proximity to Taiwan. Additionally, China put its troops on “high alert” after US and Canadian ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that 68 Chinese aircraft and 10 naval vessels were detected near the island during a single day between Wednesday and Thursday of the previous week. Some of these military assets were headed toward an unspecified area in the Western Pacific for joint sea and air training with China’s Shandong aircraft carrier.
Analysts suggest that China’s increasing military presence and actions in the region are part of a strategy to counter US influence in the Asia-Pacific region. China has been conducting numerous military drills with its allies, signaling its intent to push back against democratic allies led by the United States.
The situation remains tense, with Taiwan and China locked in a long-standing dispute over Taiwan’s sovereignty. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has been strengthening ties with the United States, further exacerbating tensions with China. As both nations flex their military muscles, concerns are growing about the potential consequences of an escalation in this volatile region.
Sources By Agencies
