Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Military Aircraft Incursions

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported a significant increase in Chinese military aircraft activity around the island. According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, 30 Chinese military aircraft were detected within a 24-hour period, marking one of the highest daily numbers recorded this year.

Of the 30 aircraft, 20 reportedly crossed into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), prompting Taiwan’s armed forces to respond with heightened vigilance. Measures included the deployment of patrol aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems, as stated by Taiwan’s defense ministry.

This surge in incursions follows a recent pattern of what experts term as “grey zone” actions, which fall short of outright acts of war. Such actions have become more frequent since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, whose stance on Taiwan’s independence is deemed a red line by Beijing.

China’s routine deployment of warplanes and naval vessels around Taiwan, coupled with increased balloon flights over the island, underscores the ongoing tensions between the two sides.

Notably, Taiwan’s Vice President-elect Lai Ching-te, perceived unfavorably by Beijing, emerged victorious in the January 13 presidential election. Lai, along with Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is set to assume office on May 20, against the backdrop of heightened cross-strait tensions.