Taiwan’s defense ministry raises alarm over record military activity as China ramps up drills, prompting reactions from the US and the region.
Taiwan has reported that 153 Chinese military aircraft surrounded its airspace during extensive military exercises conducted by Beijing, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the self-governed island and China. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the large-scale drills occurred over a 25-hour period, ending at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. This surge in military activity represents one of the largest air incursions in recent times, the ministry stated.
The military drills included fighter jets, drones, warships, and coastguard vessels, forming a coordinated encirclement of Taiwan. In response, Taipei announced that it had dispatched appropriate defense forces while raising alert levels on its outlying islands.
Of the 153 aircraft involved, 90 were detected within Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), further intensifying the situation. China’s aggressive maneuvers have once again raised concerns not only in Taiwan but also across the region.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the possibility of using force to bring the island under its control. The current exercises, labeled “Joint Sword-2024B,” were described by Beijing as a direct message against “separatist acts.” These drills follow remarks made by Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te during a National Day address, where he reaffirmed Taiwan’s resolve to maintain its sovereignty and resist any attempts at annexation by China. Beijing, in turn, condemned Lai’s statements, labeling them as “Taiwan independence nonsense.”
Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai also voiced concern over the growing frequency and scale of China’s military actions. Speaking to the press, he noted that such unannounced exercises not only destabilize Taiwan but also threaten peace and security throughout the broader region. “China’s military drills are a matter of global concern, affecting international navigation and the free movement of air and maritime traffic,” he warned.
In a statement, Taiwan’s Office of the President called on China to halt what it described as “provocative military actions” that undermine regional stability and threaten Taiwan’s democratic values.
Meanwhile, the United States, a key ally of Taiwan, expressed its disapproval of China’s recent maneuvers. The Pentagon criticized the drills as “irresponsible, disproportionate, and destabilizing,” while simultaneously launching its own military exercises in the region. On Tuesday, thousands of U.S. and Philippine marines commenced joint drills aimed at enhancing defense capabilities along the northern coast of Luzon, a region just 800 kilometers from Taiwan. These exercises, which will run for 10 days, come amid rising tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea involving both the Philippines and China.
As China’s military activity in the region grows, the situation around Taiwan remains highly sensitive, with broader implications for international peace and security.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved