Taipei: Taiwan's defense ministry reported on Saturday detecting 41 Chinese military aircraft operating around the island within a 24-hour period. This development follows recent threats from Beijing, warning of severe consequences for advocates of Taiwan's independence.
China considers democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has reiterated its willingness to use force to achieve reunification. In response to Taiwan's political developments, particularly the inauguration of new leader Lai Ching-te, Beijing has intensified military maneuvers and pressure on Taipei.
According to Taipei's defense ministry, the 41 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were observed operating near Taiwan up to 6:00 a.m. (2200 GMT). Notably, 32 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a demarcation that separates the island from mainland China.
"The ministry has closely monitored the situation and responded appropriately," stated the defense ministry in a release.
This escalation in military activity coincides with China's release of judicial guidelines on Friday, which include provisions for the death penalty in cases deemed as serious offenses supporting Taiwanese independence, as reported by state media.
Earlier on May 25, Taiwan had recorded 62 Chinese military aircraft circling the island in a single day, marking the highest daily total this year. These activities are viewed by Beijing as necessary measures against what it perceives as separatist tendencies under Taiwan's new leadership.
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