Taiwan Reports Renewed Chinese Military Activity Near the Island
Taiwan reported renewed Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday, with 12 aircraft crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. This incident occurred a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his visit to China.
The United States remains Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. During his visit to China, Blinken emphasized the "critical importance" of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan, a democratically governed nation, has faced increasing military pressure from China, which views the island as its own territory. Taiwan's government firmly rejects these claims.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported detecting 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, from 9:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Saturday. Of these, 12 crossed the median line to Taiwan's north and center.
The median line once served as an unofficial border between the two sides, with neither side's military crossing it. However, China's air force now regularly sends aircraft over it, while denying its existence.
Taiwan's defense ministry stated that the aircraft were involved in "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships. They added that Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded "appropriately" but did not provide further details.
China's defense ministry did not respond to calls seeking comment outside of office hours on Saturday.
Taiwan's armed forces are well-equipped and well-trained, but they are dwarfed by those of China, especially the navy and air force, which respond almost daily to Chinese missions.
China considers Taiwan the most important issue in its relations with the United States and has repeatedly demanded that Washington end weapons sales to Taiwan.
Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te takes office on May 20 after winning January's election. Beijing considers him a dangerous separatist and has rebuffed his repeated calls for talks.
Lai stated on Thursday that China should have the confidence to talk to Taiwan's legally elected government. Like outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai maintains that only Taiwan's people can decide their future.