Taipei’s defense ministry reported a notable surge in Chinese military aircraft activity around Taiwan during a concentrated three-hour period on Saturday, just a month ahead of the scheduled May 20 inauguration of incoming President Lai Ching-te.
China, which considers democratic Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly stated its intent to employ force if necessary to assert control over the island.
Tensions between the two sides of the narrow Taiwan Strait, spanning 180 kilometers (110 miles), have escalated since January, following the election of Vice President Lai, whom Beijing views as a “dangerous separatist.”
Military analysts suggest that joint military exercises between the United States and the Philippines, set to commence near the South China Sea, a region entirely claimed by Beijing, may have prompted the heightened show of force around Taiwan.
According to Taipei’s defense ministry, beginning at 8:15 am (0015 GMT), a total of 21 Chinese aircraft, including J-16 fighter jets, Y-8 medium-range transport planes, and drones, were detected encircling Taiwan.
“Seventeen of the 21 aircraft crossed the median line and its extension, entering our northern, central, and southwestern air defense identification zones, and coordinated with PLA vessels for joint combat patrol,” the ministry stated in a release posted around 11:30 am.
Taiwan’s armed forces are actively monitoring the situation using joint surveillance systems.
Beijing, which disregards the median line dividing the Taiwan Strait, routinely dispatches warplanes and naval vessels near Taiwan, a tactic often described as “grey-zone harassment.” While not constituting a direct act of war, these actions are sufficient to strain Taipei’s armed forces.
The highest recorded number of incidents occurred in September, when China sent 103 aircraft, including 40 that breached the median line, within a 24-hour timeframe.
Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have intensified during the two-term administration of President Tsai Ing-wen, who, along with her government, rejects China’s territorial claims.
Vice President Lai, previously known for advocating Taiwan’s independence, has moderated his stance in recent years and is set to assume office on May 20.
