TAIWAN:In the past day, Taiwan's defense ministry announced the detection of 32 Chinese military aircraft circling the island, making it the second-highest number seen this year. Additionally, five Chinese naval ships were observed operating in the vicinity during the same period. Notably, twenty of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Responding to the heightened activity, Taiwan's armed forces maintained vigilance by deploying patrol aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems. These developments come amidst ongoing tensions following Taiwan's presidential election in January.
During the 24-hour period leading up to 6:00 am Thursday (2200 GMT Wednesday), Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense also spotted five naval ships maneuvering around Taiwan. The ministry stated that twenty of the aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, according to a released statement. Taiwan's military has responded to the situation by closely monitoring activities and mobilizing patrol aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems.
This occurrence follows two other 24-hour periods in late January and early February, during which the ministry recorded 33 Chinese warplanes near the island, marking the highest count this year. These detections coincided with the January 13 presidential election, which saw Vice President Lai Ching-te secure victory, a result that Beijing has publicly expressed displeasure with. Lai and vice president-elect Hsiao Bi-khim of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are set to assume office on May 20.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Hsiao over her recent visit to the Czech Republic, labeling it as furthering "the purpose of Taiwan independence" and undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Last month, Taiwan reported the detection of 11 Chinese naval vessels, the highest number recorded this year, amid an ongoing dispute between Taipei and Beijing stemming from a fatal fishing boat incident.
In February, a Chinese speedboat capsized near Taiwan's Kinmen islands during a confrontation with the Taiwanese coast guard, resulting in two fatalities. This incident unfolded amidst escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing asserting its claim over the self-ruled island. China has accused Taiwanese authorities of withholding information regarding the incident, while Taiwan contends that the boat lost control and capsized due to erratic maneuvers.
In response to a series of deadly incidents, including another boat sinking that claimed two lives this month, China has pledged to increase patrols around Kinmen. Furthermore, during the Lunar New Year holiday last month, Taiwan detected a record eight Chinese balloons flying over the island. Beijing has intensified military activities in the region in recent years, regularly deploying warplanes, naval vessels, and balloons around Taiwan.