Recent Incursion by Chinese Military Aircraft in Taiwan Strait
The Taiwan Defence Ministry reported a renewed incursion by Chinese military aircraft across the sensitive Taiwan Strait. This incident comes as China conducted combat drills with landing craft in the region.
Background
- The median line between Taiwan and China, previously an unofficial border, has been crossed by Chinese military aircraft, with China refusing to acknowledge its existence.
- China has escalated its military activities around Taiwan in the last four years, considering the island its territory, a claim strongly rejected by Taipei.
Recent Activity
In the latest update, the Taiwan Defence Ministry revealed that 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line, approaching as close as 41 nautical miles to the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung, which hosts a major navy base.
China’s People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command showcased live combat landing drills, demonstrating readiness for potential conflict near Taiwan.
Response and Concerns
- Taiwan is on high alert for further military exercises following the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te, scheduled for later this month.
- China has adopted new tactics, including night-time combat patrols and deploying landing ships and minesweepers, raising tensions in the region.
China’s coast guard has increased patrols near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, leading to disputes and accusations of intimidation tactics by Taiwan.
Political Landscape
President-elect Lai Ching-te, set to assume office on May 20, faces opposition from China, which views him as a separatist. Lai, like current President Tsai Ing-wen, advocates for self-determination by the people of Taiwan, a stance rejected by Beijing.
Lai has served as Taiwan’s vice president for the past four years, continuing the island’s firm stance against China’s sovereignty claims.
