Taiwan Monitors Chinese Naval and Aircraft Activity Amid Heightened Tensions

Taiwan Monitors Chinese Naval and Aircraft Activity Amid Heightened Tensions/Reuters

Dil Bar Irshad | June 2, 2024 | 12:07 PM IST | China, Taiwan, World | Follow on Google News

Taiwan Monitors Chinese Naval and Aircraft Activity Amid Heightened Tensions

Taiwan Monitors Chinese Naval and Aircraft Activity Amid Heightened Tensions

Key Highlights:

1. Taiwan detects increased Chinese naval and air activity near its borders.
2. PLA aircraft breached Taiwan’s ADIZ, prompting defensive measures.
3. Rising geopolitical tensions coincide with recent US lawmakers’ visit to Taiwan.

The Ministry of National Defence of Taiwan reported the detection of six Chinese naval vessels, four coast guard ships, and two military aircraft near Taiwan from 6 a.m. on Saturday to 6 a.m. on Sunday, as per Taiwan News. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft breached the Taiwan Strait median line within the northern sector of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ).

In response, Taiwan mobilized aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor the PLA’s activities. This incident is part of China’s increasing use of “grey zone” tactics since September 2020, which involve efforts to achieve strategic objectives without direct, substantial use of force. These tactics include gradually increasing the presence of military planes and naval vessels around Taiwan.

The tension between China and Taiwan has escalated, with China’s Communist Party asserting sovereignty over Taiwan despite never having governed it, and threatening to annex the island by force if necessary. This recent military activity follows China’s large-scale drills near Taiwan and coincides with a contentious visit by US lawmakers to the self-governing island.

On May 27, the Chinese Foreign Ministry vehemently opposed the US lawmakers’ visit, with spokesperson Mao Ning condemning military contact between the US and Taiwan and any efforts to arm Taiwan. The visit by US officials underscores the ongoing geopolitical friction as China continues to assert its claims over Taiwan.

(Inputs from Focus Taiwan)

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.