A significant military demonstration by China has heightened tensions in the Pacific region.
According to Daily Mail, China has intensified military activity around Taiwan, deploying a record number of aircraft and naval vessels while also criticizing NATO over its statements on the Ukraine conflict.
This large-scale military operation was detected up to early Wednesday, encompassing 66 aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and seven naval ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Taiwan's Defense Ministry observed an unusual level of activity over the recent days, noting that 56 of the detected aircraft crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait, a traditional buffer zone.
The defense alertness was triggered when four Chinese Coast Guard vessels also navigated into Taiwanese territorial waters near frontline islands.
Continuously, tensions have been stirred by military drills that began shortly after a PLA aircraft was spotted heading toward a coordinated exercise with the aircraft carrier Shandong.
The strategic movements come shortly after NATO’s criticisms of China's supportive stance towards Russia, labeling it an enabler of the ongoing war in Ukraine. In response, Beijing has released statements condemning NATO's confrontation and stressing global peace and stability.
At a press briefing, Lin Jian, spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, firmly stated, "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory." He also emphasized, "The determination and resolve of the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity are unwavering."
Beijing's mission to the European Union offered a firm response regarding the accusations about the Ukraine conflict. A spokesperson clarified: "It is known to all that China is not the creator (of) the Ukraine crisis. China's position on Ukraine is open and aboveboard."
Military analysts believe that China's recent actions are a response to the political dynamics in Taiwan and the support the island receives from international entities, particularly the U.S.
China's Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, clarified that the Shandong aircraft carrier avoided the Bashi Channel, opting instead for a southern route to prevent direct provocation.
China's intensified military activities around Taiwan, including deploying a record number of aircraft and naval vessels, have significantly increased tensions in the Pacific region.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported an unusual level of military activity, with 56 aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait's midline and Chinese Coast Guard vessels entering Taiwanese territorial waters. These maneuvers follow NATO's criticism of China's stance on the Ukraine conflict, which Beijing has condemned while affirming its sovereignty over Taiwan.
