Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported a substantial increase in Chinese military activity around the island, detecting 43 Chinese aircraft and eight naval vessels within a 24-hour period.
Intruding into Southwestern Areas
This escalation shows the ongoing tensions in the region, as China claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
According to the ministry's statement, 34 of the aircraft crossed the median line, intruding into the southwestern and eastern areas of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Digi24.
The incursions were monitored closely, and the Taiwanese military responded accordingly to ensure the security of the island. Images released by the ministry depicted Chinese aircraft circling the island, with the exception of the northeastern coastline.
Daily Flights With Fighter Jets
This recent military activity coincides with reports of a Japanese naval vessel navigating through the Taiwan Strait, asserting its right to freedom of navigation. Although the Japanese government has not confirmed the report, spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment, citing the operations as military in nature.
This movement followed similar naval passages by vessels from the United States, Canada, and Germany, highlighting increased international naval presence in the area.
The Chinese military has been conducting almost daily flights of fighter jets, drones, and naval ships near Taiwan. Notably, on July 11, Taiwan reported detecting a record number of 66 Chinese military aircraft within a single day, signaling a trend of escalating military pressure from Beijing.
China has maintained its stance that it will never renounce the use of force to assert control over Taiwan, intensifying both military and political pressure on the island in recent years.
