Chinese Aircraft Surround Taiwan in Largest Sortie of the Year

Photo : AFP

In a significant escalation, Taiwan's defense ministry reported detecting 66 Chinese military aircraft around the island within a 24-hour period, marking the highest number seen this year. This followed closely on the heels of Beijing's exercises in nearby waters, underscoring heightened tensions in the region.

Among the aircraft spotted, 56 crossed the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China. Illustrations released by Taiwan's defense ministry depicted some of these aircraft coming within 33 nautical miles of the island's southern tip.

This surge in military activity surpassed previous records, including a peak in May when Beijing deployed 62 aircraft and 27 naval vessels near Taiwan. Analysts attribute China's latest maneuvers to recent political developments, including increased support from Washington towards Taipei, evident in a meeting between Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and the new de facto U.S. ambassador.

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Experts describe these actions as "grey zone tactics," designed to pressure Taiwan without crossing into outright conflict. Such tactics have included frequent deployments of jets, drones, and naval ships, accompanied by rhetoric emphasizing Taiwan's "inevitable" reunification with China.

Taiwanese defense minister Wellington Koo emphasized that the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong did not pass through the Bashi Channel, a common route near Taiwan's southern tip for Chinese naval vessels heading towards the Pacific. Instead, it took a route further south through the Balintang Channel, north of the Philippines' Babuyan Island.

Neighboring Japan confirmed sightings of four PLA navy vessels, including the Shandong, sailing southeast of Miyako Island, highlighting regional concerns over China's expanding naval presence.

Meanwhile, the Philippines noted reports of joint China-Russia exercises in the Philippine Sea, although specifics about the Shandong's involvement were not detailed.

Amidst these military maneuvers, Taiwan has witnessed repeated incursions by Chinese coast guard ships around its outlying islands. On Thursday alone, four Chinese coast guard vessels entered Taiwanese waters, prompting surveillance and response from Taipei's coast guard.

Overall, such actions reflect China's ongoing efforts to assert dominance and pressure Taiwan politically and militarily, maintaining a delicate balance between brinkmanship and avoiding direct conflict.