Taiwan's defense ministry announced today, July 13, that it is closely monitoring a series of missile tests being conducted by China's Rocket Force in the northern region of Inner Mongolia. In response, Taiwan's air defense forces are on high alert.

Taiwan, a democratically governed island that China claims as its own territory, keeps a vigilant eye on Chinese military activities. While it frequently observes Chinese maneuvers near the island, it seldom discloses details about operations inside China.

The ministry reported that starting at 4 a.m. (2000 GMT on Friday), it detected "multiple waves of test launches" by China’s Rocket Force in Inner Mongolia, approximately 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Taiwan. The Taiwanese forces are actively monitoring the situation and maintaining heightened air defense readiness. However, the ministry did not provide specific details about the missile tests.

China's defense ministry did not respond to inquiries outside of office hours. The Rocket Force is responsible for China’s conventional and nuclear missile arsenal.

This development recalls the events of August 2022, when China launched missiles into waters around Taiwan during military drills to protest a visit to Taipei by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Taiwan operates powerful radar stations on some of the central mountain range peaks, enabling it to monitor activities deep within China, according to security sources.

China has intensified its military pressure on Taiwan, especially since President Lai Ching-te took office in May. Beijing labels him a "separatist" and has conducted several military exercises as a show of force. Despite this, President Lai has consistently offered to engage in dialogue with China, but Beijing has rejected these overtures, insisting that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their future.

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