Taiwan Reports Surge of Chinese Warplanes Off Its Coast – Reuters

TAIPEI (Reuters) – On Thursday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported an increase in the number of Chinese warplanes operating near its east, west, and south coasts. A security source indicated that these activities are part of China’s efforts to simulate attacks aimed at deterring foreign intervention during a potential conflict.

Taiwan, which operates as a democratic entity, believes that Beijing regards it as a part of its territory, and has expressed concerns about the escalation of Chinese military operations over the last five years. The Taiwanese government firmly rejects China’s claims of sovereignty.

In its latest update on Chinese military activity, Taiwan’s defense ministry noted the presence of 43 Chinese military aircraft in the vicinity of the island, with at least 11 crossing the previously established unofficial boundary in the Taiwan Strait.

Among the detected aircraft, 23 were reported to have flown south through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, and subsequently along the eastern coast of Taiwan, although none entered territorial airspace.

Additionally, Taiwan’s defense ministry mentioned that Chinese aircraft have been conducting long-range missions around the island. A security source, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the situation, described these flights as part of annual military drills conducted by China.

The People’s Liberation Army is reportedly simulating attacks in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea to train for preventing foreign assistance in the event of regional conflict. Furthermore, the Chinese air force is focusing on gaining “air dominance” over Taiwan’s southwestern coast and is practicing air refueling operations in the waters surrounding the Bashi Channel.

China’s defense ministry has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these developments.

Earlier this year, China carried out extensive military exercises around Taiwan in late May, shortly after Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as Taiwan’s new president. Beijing opposes Lai, labeling him a “separatist.” Lai maintains that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their future and has extended offers for dialogue with Beijing, which have been consistently ignored.