Taiwan Detects 53 Chinese Military Aircraft and 19 Ships Near Island

Beijing’s Biggest Maritime Mobilisation in Years

A Taiwanese Mirage 2000 fighter jet takes off at an airbase in Hsinchu, northern Taiwan, on Tuesday. (AP pic)

TAIPEI: Taiwan said on Wednesday it had detected 53 Chinese military aircraft and 19 ships near the island in the past 24 hours, as Beijing holds its biggest maritime mobilisation in years.

Highest Number of Aircraft Detected in a Single Day

The aircraft and vessels, which included 11 warships, were detected in Taiwan’s airspace and waters in the 24 hours to 6am on Wednesday, according to the defence ministry’s daily tally. That was the highest number of aircraft detected in a single day since a record 153 was reported on Oct 15 after China staged large-scale military drills in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s national day speech days earlier.

Defence Ministry Reports Increased Military Activity

The defence ministry reported on Tuesday that 47 Chinese aircraft had been detected in Taiwan’s airspace along with 12 Chinese warships in the vicinity of the island. Taipei said China is currently deploying around 90 ships along the so-called first island chain – linking Okinawa, Taiwan and the Philippines – in what is Beijing’s biggest maritime exercise in years.

No Public Announcement from Beijing

There has been no public announcement by Beijing’s army or Chinese state media about increased military activity in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, South China Sea or Western Pacific Ocean. However, a Beijing foreign ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday that China – which regards Taiwan as its territory – will “resolutely defend” its sovereignty.

Speculation about Military Exercises

There has also been intense speculation about the possibility of China launching military exercises in response to Lai’s visits to the US last week. Lai spoke with Republican US house speaker Mike Johnson in Guam on Thursday – the highest-level US contact the Taiwanese leader had during a week-long Pacific trip – which drew a barrage of criticism from Beijing.

Taiwan’s Defence Concerns

China – which has said it would never rule out using force to bring Taiwan under its control – has held four large-scale military exercises in just over two years, including two since Lai took office in May. Taiwan faces the constant threat of a military attack by China and relies heavily on US arms sales to boost its defences.

US Approves Arms Sales to Taiwan

On the eve of Lai’s Pacific tour, the US approved a proposed sale to Taiwan of spare parts for F-16s and radar systems, as well as communications equipment, in deals valued at US$385 million in total.

Conclusion

The recent detection of 53 Chinese military aircraft and 19 ships near Taiwan highlights the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. The increased military activity by China is a cause for concern for Taiwan, which relies heavily on US arms sales to boost its defences. The situation remains uncertain, and it is unclear what the future holds for Taiwan and China.

FAQs

Q: What is the current situation between Taiwan and China?
A: Taiwan has detected 53 Chinese military aircraft and 19 ships near the island, which is a cause for concern.

Q: What is the reason for China’s increased military activity?
A: China has not publicly announced the reason for its increased military activity, but it is speculated to be in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s visits to the US.

Q: What is Taiwan’s defence strategy?
A: Taiwan relies heavily on US arms sales to boost its defences and faces the constant threat of a military attack by China.

Q: What is the US stance on the situation?
A: The US has approved a proposed sale to Taiwan of spare parts for F-16s and radar systems, as well as communications equipment, in deals valued at US$385 million in total.