Taiwan Detects 14 Chinese Military Aircraft Crossing Median Line Amid Escalating Tensions

On Friday, Taiwan's defense ministry reported that 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, coming as close as 41 nautical miles (76 km) to the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung, home to a major navy base. The incursion marks a renewed escalation in Chinese military activity across the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from mainland China.

Why this matters: The escalating tensions between Taiwan and China have significant implications for regional stability and global security, as they could potentially draw in other major powers like the United States. A conflict in the Taiwan Strait would have far-reaching consequences for international trade, economic stability, and the balance of power in East Asia.

Over the past four years, China's military has significantly increased its activities around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory despite the island being governed independently. Taiwan's government strongly rejects China's sovereignty claims. President-elect Lai Ching-te and current President Tsai Ing-wen have both stated that only the Taiwanese people can decide the island's future.

On Thursday, Taiwan reported that China had carried out a"joint combat readiness patrol"near the island for the second time in a week. China's defense ministry did not comment on the latest incursion on Friday, while the country is in the middle of its Labor Day holiday.

The Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army shared pictures on its WeChat social media account showing ships carrying out live-fire combat landing drills, although the exact location and timing of the exercises were not disclosed. The accompanying text read, "The vanguard of the landing team is always ready to fight."

Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said Taiwan is on alert for China to carry out military exercises following the May 20 inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te. Tsai noted that China has begun employing new tactics, including staging nighttime combat patrols and using landing ships and minesweepers in those operations.

China strongly dislikes Lai, viewing him as a dangerous separatist. The president-elect rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and has stated that only the island's 23 million people can determine their future. China's government has rebuffed Lai's repeated offers of talks, including one extended last week.

The rising tensions between Taiwan and China have attracted international attention, with the United States, Taiwan's most important backer and arms supplier, closely monitoring the situation. Washington has repeatedly called for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

As China continues to ramp up military pressure on Taiwan, the international community will be closely watching events in the coming weeks and months. The period following Lai Ching-te's May 20 inauguration could prove crucial in shaping the future of cross-strait relations and regional stability. Taiwan remains committed to defending its democracy and way of life in the face of China's increasingassertiveness.

Key Takeaways

• 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait's median line, closest 41 nautical miles to Keelung.
• Tensions between Taiwan and China escalate, with implications for regional stability and global security.
• Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims, with President-elect Lai Ching-te emphasizing self-determination.
• China conducts "joint combat readiness patrol" and live-fire combat landing drills near Taiwan.
• International community, including the US, closely monitors the situation, calling for peace and stability.