Taiwan Counters Persistent Chinese Military Incursions Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Taiwan detected 30 Chinese aircraft and several naval vessels near its borders, prompting a military response. China's military actions have intensified since 2020, leading to increased regional tensions. Taiwan's Foreign Affairs Ministry criticized China's actions and urged for rational diplomacy to maintain peace.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) disclosed that from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, 30 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and four official ships were detected operating in the vicinity of Taiwan. Of these, 20 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In response to the incursion, Taiwan dispatched aircraft, naval ships, and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the People's Liberation Army (PLA) activities, as reported by Taiwan News. Taiwan's MND took to social media platform X, stating that 30 PLA aircraft, seven PLAN vessels, and four official ships were identified operating around Taiwan. It confirmed monitoring the situation closely.

Throughout August, Taiwan has recorded 535 instances of Chinese military aircraft and 289 ship sightings. Since September 2020, China's use of gray zone tactics has escalated, featuring increased military presence near Taiwan. These tactics, defined as actions exceeding steady-state deterrence without direct force, have heightened tensions. This trend aligns with China's broader strategy, including air and naval incursions and military exercises around Taiwan, aiming for eventual reunification with the island republic by force if necessary.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) criticized China for violating regional sovereignty, citing a Chinese reconnaissance plane entering Japanese airspace near the Danjo Islands. MOFA noted that such actions, along with frequent Chinese and Russian military exercises in regional waters, add to the tension. MOFA emphasized China's military expansion as a significant threat to Indo-Pacific security and urged Beijing to adopt rational and restrained actions to avoid escalating conflict.

Taiwan vows to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and work with supportive nations, including Japan, to deter authoritarian aggression. The call to action highlights Taiwan's commitment to regional stability and its proactive stance against coercive tactics.

(With inputs from agencies.)