According to the Taiwanese defense ministry, China sent 38 fighter jets and other military aircraft near Taiwan on Friday, which is the largest demonstration of military force since April’s exercise that simulated isolating the island. Additionally, naval vessels were spotted in the vicinity, which is part of China’s ongoing intimidation of Taiwan.
On the same day, China’s People’s Liberation Army expressed their dissatisfaction over the United States Navy’s P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft’s flight through the Taiwan Strait, a waterway that divides mainland China from the autonomous island claimed by Beijing.
The Eastern Theater Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) claimed that the United States deliberately provoked them by conducting a flight on Thursday that they hyped up. As a result, the PLA scrambled fighter jets to monitor the plane’s flight.
The PLA suggests that the US is responsible for creating security risks and disturbing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Despite this, the theater troops remain on high alert and are committed to defending national sovereignty and security, as well as regional peace and stability.
On the other hand, the US 7th Fleet countered by stating that Thursday’s flight was conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Even though there is no official diplomatic relationship between the United States and Taiwan, the US is still considered to be Taiwan’s closest political and military ally. US law mandates that all threats to the island be treated as significant concerns, but it is uncertain whether American forces will be sent to assist in defending Taiwan.
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has made it clear that he is willing to use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under Beijing’s control, as he has a strong sense of nationalism and has vowed to protect all the territories claimed by China, including disputed areas with India and the South China Sea. Along with this, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry has reported the presence of Chinese navy vessels in the region from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday, in addition to the recent flight of Chinese warplanes.
Nineteen military aircraft, including five SU-30 and two J-16 fighter jets, as well as one drone, crossed the midline in the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from mainland China, according to the Defense Ministry. The drone, a large and long-endurance TB-001 Scorpion capable of carrying various bombs and missiles, flew around the island, which is a relatively uncommon occurrence.
It remains unclear what triggered the significant Chinese action, but China’s attempts to prepare for a potential attack, weaken Taiwan’s military, and influence its political landscape have become more ambitious. The US military officials have expressed growing apprehension that China’s massive military expansion increases the likelihood of conflict.
In response to the sensitive meeting between Taiwan’s President and US House Speaker, China conducted drills to practice blockading the island. China does not support any official exchanges between Taiwan and other governments.
In 1949, Taiwan and China separated after a civil war, which resulted in the Communist Party taking over the mainland. Although Taiwan was never a part of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing maintains that Taiwan must reunite with the mainland, even if it requires the use of force.
