Taiwan Reports Increased Chinese Military Activity Around Island

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected 66 Chinese military aircraft and vessels en route to a military exercise in the Western Pacific. The increased activity comes amid heightened regional tensions, with China showcasing its military capabilities near Taiwan and neighboring areas like the Philippine Sea and Japan's airspace.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Thursday reported the detection of 66 Chinese military aircraft and vessels around the island, apparently heading for a military exercise in the Western Pacific. This was stated through an update on the MND's X platform.

According to the statement, '66 PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am (2200 GMT Wednesday) today.' Notably, fifty-six of the aircraft breached the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China.

The Chinese forces were reportedly heading toward the Western Pacific to participate in a joint air and sea military exercise alongside the aircraft carrier Shandong, according to Taiwan's defence ministry. The ministry noted that it had 'monitored the situation and responded accordingly,' while also releasing an illustration showing some aircraft within 33 nautical miles (61 km) of Taiwan's southern tip.

On July 10, the ministry similarly noted that 36 Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line, heading for the Western Pacific. In a previous incident in May, Beijing deployed 62 military aircraft and 27 naval vessels around Taiwan, amid war games following the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

Focus Taiwan quoted Defence Minister Wellington Koo stating that 'the MND had a 'full grasp' of the Shandong's movements.' Meanwhile, the Philippines expressed concern on Wednesday over China's deployment of a 'carrier strike group' in the Philippine Sea.

Reports cited by the Philippine news agency PNA mentioned that the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, accompanied by a guided missile destroyer and a frigate, was spotted some 323 miles off Miyako Island, conducting flight deck operations with jet fighters and helicopters.

Philippine Armed Forces spokesperson Col Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized the importance of regional peace and adherence to international laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). On July 9, Japan's Defence Ministry scrambled Air Self-Defence Force fighters in response to a Chinese TB-001 unmanned reconnaissance and attack aircraft entering Japan's air defence identification zone over the East China Sea.

This marks the sixth announcement this year by Japan regarding movements of Chinese unmanned military aircraft, according to the Japan News. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)