Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported a notable increase in Chinese military activity near its territory. On Friday morning, the MND confirmed that 12 Chinese military aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and 9 official ships were detected operating close to Taiwan until 6 a.m. local time (UTC+8).

According to the Ministry's post on X (formerly Twitter), six of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan's military responded promptly to monitor and address the situation.

Ongoing Pattern of Escalated Tensions

This detection follows a similar event the previous day, when Taiwan's MND reported the presence of 34 Chinese military aircraft and 16 naval vessels near the island. Notably, 22 of these aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. As usual, Taiwan closely monitored the movements and took necessary action in response.

The ongoing maneuvers by China's military around Taiwan have raised concerns over regional stability, further exacerbating tensions between the two sides. These actions are part of China’s ongoing efforts to assert its claims over Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province.

Taiwan's Response: Drills and Countermeasures

In reaction to these provocations, Taiwan has ramped up its military readiness. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has been actively carrying out military readiness exercises at key locations throughout Taiwan, strengthening its defensive capabilities in response to ongoing security threats. These drills are designed to ensure that the island's armed forces are prepared for any potential escalation in tensions. The Ministry is also working in coordination with the Coast Guard Administration to implement countermeasures to safeguard Taiwan’s territorial integrity.

Historical Context of Taiwan-China Tensions

The Taiwan-China issue is deeply rooted in a complex geopolitical conflict that spans decades. Taiwan, formally recognized as the Republic of China (ROC), has consistently upheld its sovereignty by maintaining an independent government, military, and economy. Despite pressure from China, Taiwan continues to function as a self-governing entity, effectively operating as a sovereign state with its own political and economic systems in place.. However, China views Taiwan as part of its territory and continues to assert the "One China" policy, which regards Beijing as the sole legitimate capital.

This rivalry dates back to the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan following the Communist Party's victory on the mainland. Since then, Beijing has sought reunification, using various methods including diplomatic, economic, and military pressures. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to assert its independence, supported by a significant portion of its population.