Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported a significant increase in Chinese military activity around Taiwan. From 6 am Wednesday to 6 am Thursday, Taiwan detected 35 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating nearby.
Aircraft Enter Taiwan’s Air Defense Zone
Out of the 35 aircraft, 33 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor the situation.
Throughout June, Taiwan has detected Chinese military aircraft 371 times and naval or coast guard vessels 204 times. Since September 2020, China has been using “grey zone tactics,” which involve increasing military presence without direct conflict to achieve security goals.
Tensions Between Taiwan and China
This recent incident is part of a series of similar provocations by China. China has been increasing its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
On June 25, Taiwan’s Coast Guard (CGA) reported four Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in restricted waters near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands. The CGA dispatched three patrol boats to monitor the Chinese vessels until they left the area.
China’s Coast Guard claimed their actions were legal and aimed at protecting fishing rights and ensuring security. This response comes after an incident in February where two Chinese nationals died when their speedboat capsized near the Kinmen Islands while being pursued by CGA personnel for illegal entry into Taiwanese waters.
Taiwan’s CGA emphasized that the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard do not help maintain ties between Kinmen and Xiamen or promote regional stability. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and the potential for further conflicts between Taiwan and China.
The increase in Chinese military activity around Taiwan and the recent incidents involving the Chinese Coast Guard underscore the continuing tensions between the two sides. Taiwan remains vigilant and continues to monitor and respond to China’s actions to ensure its security and sovereignty.
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