China increases military operations near Taiwan amid rising tensions
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Taiwan's ministry of national defence (MND) on Tuesday reported a sharp uptick in Chinese military operations in the vicinity of the island, with a total of 61 sorties of People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and several Chinese naval vessels detected within a few hours.
According to the MND, between early morning and 8:15 a.m. local time, 27 PLA aircraft including J-16 fighters and KJ-500 early warning planes entered Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Eighteen of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and approached Taiwan's northern, central, eastern, and southwestern sectors as part of joint air-sea training exercises. In parallel, several Chinese naval vessels were operating near the island.
— MoNDefense (@MoNDefense)
Earlier the same morning, Taiwan reported the detection of 34 PLA aircraft, nine Chinese warships, and one Chinese government vessel around its periphery, with all aircraft also crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
On Monday, the MND observed a smaller scale of Chinese activity, noting the presence of four PLA aircraft, eight naval vessels, and two official ships near Taiwan.
In response, Taiwan's armed forces have been on heightened alert, closely monitoring the situation and responding with defensive measures where necessary.
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The island's defence posture has focused heavily on preparedness and deterrence, with the government reaffirming its commitment to maintaining regional stability.
According to the Focus Taiwan report, Defence Minister Wellington Koo outlined reforms in Taiwan's military training programs, designed to bolster combat readiness amid the rising frequency of Chinese operations. These reforms include adjustments for both conscripts and senior officers, emphasizing asymmetric warfare tactics, the deployment of drones, and the integration of mobile radar systems.
Taiwan's extension of compulsory military service to one year from January 2024 reflects a broader shift in national defence strategy.
President Lai Ching-te underscored the need for vigilance, citing the risk of potential escalations and the importance of readiness. 'As we are situated on an island, we need to stockpile military supplies in case China launches multiple assaults. We may even need to prepare for a war of endurance,' he said.
The Han Kuang military exercises, Taiwan's largest annual drills, are scheduled to take place from July 9 to 18 this year. These exercises aim to test the island's combat readiness and identify potential weaknesses in Taiwan's defence strategy.
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