News of War Staff Writer
Taiwan Reports Significant Chinese Military Activity Following Presidential Election
Taiwan's Defence Ministry announced the detection of 18 Chinese air force planes, including Su-30 fighters, engaging in "joint combat readiness patrols" with warships near Taiwan on Wednesday. This marks the first major military operation since Taiwan's recent election.
Chinese aircraft and vessels have frequently encroached upon the airspace and waters around Taiwan over the past four years, reflecting China's claim over the island, a claim staunchly refuted by Taipei.
In the election, Taiwan chose Lai Ching-te, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and a figure Beijing condemns as a separatist threat, as its new president. On the evening of the military activity, 11 Chinese aircraft breached or approached the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial boundary historically respected by both sides but now frequently violated by China.
Taiwan dispatched its forces in response, emphasizing the significance of the Taiwan Strait's security and prosperity to global stability. The Defence Ministry asserted its commitment to bolstering self-defence capabilities in light of regional threats, while China's Defence Ministry has not yet commented.
Earlier, China's Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated its stance on using force to assert control over Taiwan, attributing it to foreign interference and a minority of separatists. They also urged Taiwanese citizens to shed any biases against China.
Lai, set to assume office on May 20, has proposed dialogue with China but remains rejected. He advocates for peace and stability across the strait, maintaining that Taiwan's future is for its people to decide.
Vincent Chao, spokesperson for Lai's campaign, emphasised a policy of "continuation" and "no surprises," focusing on strong deterrence in collaboration with the U.S. and regional allies.
Chao highlighted the need to deter Chinese leader Xi Jinping from any aggressive action, balancing high risks and costs against such actions with low risks and costs of inaction.