TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan’s defence ministry reported on Thursday the detection of 38 Chinese warplanes and 11 navy or coastguard vessels around Taiwan in the past 24 hours.
This follows a significant two-day military drill by Beijing last week, which saw the encirclement of the island.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has declared it will not renounce the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control.
The defence ministry noted that 28 of the Chinese aircraft had crossed the median line that traditionally serves as an unofficial boundary between Taiwan and China.
In response, Taiwan deployed planes and ships, according to a ministry statement. This development coincides with visits from United States congressional delegations, the first since President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration on May 20. Shortly after Lai’s inauguration, Chinese warships and fighter jets conducted drills encircling Taiwan, which Beijing described as a test of its capability to seize the island. During these exercises, China warned that pro-independence forces would face severe consequences.
In recent years, China has increased military pressure on Taiwan, maintaining a near-daily presence of warplanes, drones, and naval vessels around the island.
Experts categorize these activities as “grey zone tactics,” which aim to wear down Taipei’s military without engaging in outright warfare. Beijing criticized Lai’s inaugural speech as advocating for independence, claiming it endangers Taiwan by pushing it towards war.
