China Dispatches 103 Military Aircraft Toward Taiwan in Unprecedented Surge, Termed as Harassment by Taiwan

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In an unparalleled 24-hour maneuver, China’s military deployed 103 aircraft in the direction of Taiwan, marking a record for such activity in recent history, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense. The aircraft were tracked from 6 a.m. on Sunday to the same time on the subsequent day, and as is typical, retreated before entering Taiwanese airspace.

Beijing, which asserts that Taiwan falls under its jurisdiction, has intensified its military exercises in both air and maritime zones proximate to Taiwan. This escalation coincides with rising tensions between China, Taiwan, and the United States—Taiwan’s principal arms supplier, and a vocal critic of any coercive attempts to alter the island’s status.

The Defense Ministry of Taiwan reported that 40 of these aircraft crossed the median line that serves as a symbolic demarcation between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. The Ministry also documented the presence of nine naval vessels in the surrounding waters within the same 24-hour timeframe.

Characterizing the Chinese military maneuvers as “harassment,” Taiwan’s Defense Ministry cautioned that such actions could exacerbate the already strained relations. “We call on Beijing to act responsibly and immediately cease such destabilizing military activities,” the Ministry declared in an official communique.

This episode follows closely on the heels of China’s naval deployment last week, which included the aircraft carrier Shandong, in waters in proximity to Taiwan. The naval exercises were initiated shortly after warships from the United States and Canada navigated through the Taiwan Strait, the body of water separating Taiwan from the Chinese mainland.

Additionally, China recently disclosed plans for a joint development demonstration zone with Taiwan in the adjacent Fujian province. Analysts interpret this as part of China’s long-standing ‘carrot and stick’ strategy aimed at both enticing Taiwan and serving as a deterrent.

Speculations are rife that these actions may be calculated moves designed to influence Taiwan’s forthcoming presidential elections in January. The incumbent Democratic Progressive Party, which is inclined toward formal Taiwanese independence, is viewed unfavorably by the Chinese government, which prefers opposition candidates open to engagement with the mainland.

Taiwan and China went their separate ways in 1949 following the rise of the Communist Party in China during the civil war, leading the defeated Nationalists to retreat to Taiwan where they established an autonomous government. Despite its self-governance, Taiwan lacks formal diplomatic recognition from most foreign countries. The United States, among others, maintains formal diplomatic relations with China while also operating a representative office in Taiwan.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about China-Taiwan Tensions

More about China-Taiwan Tensions

• Taiwan Ministry of National Defense Official Statement
• U.S. State Department Comments on Taiwan Strait Passage
• Analysis of China’s Military Activities Near Taiwan
• Historical Context of China-Taiwan Relations
• Upcoming Taiwan Presidential Elections: What to Expect
• China’s Carrot and Stick Approach to Taiwan: An Overview
• Global Reactions to China-Taiwan Military Activities
• China’s Integrated Development Plan with Taiwan in Fujian Province