Image Credit-CNN
Amidst escalating tensions, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) in Taiwan has raised concerns about a significant surge in Chinese military activity encircling the island country. According to sources in the Ministry of National Defense, between 6 a.m. (GMT+8) on Monday (Feb. 6) and 6 a.m. (GMT+8) on Tuesday (Feb. 7), a total of 25 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels were tracked in the vicinity.
Of particular concern were the movements of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, with 10 reportedly breaching the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, three aircraft were detected entering the northeast air defense identification zone (ADIZ), while another three were spotted in the southwest ADIZ. This blatant violation of airspace prompted a swift response from Taiwan, leading to the mobilization of its own aircraft and naval assets. Furthermore, air defense missile systems were activated to closely monitor the PLA’s maneuvers.
A noteworthy incident during this period involved the sighting of a Chinese balloon crossing the Taiwan Strait median line at 8:31 a.m. on Monday, approximately 174 km (94 NM) west of Keelung. The balloon’s trajectory led northeastward before disappearing from radar at 9:23 a.m.
This latest display of Chinese military assertiveness is viewed as a continuation of a trend observed since September 2020. China’s increasing reliance on gray zone tactics, aimed at achieving strategic objectives without resorting to direct and overt force, has raised alarm bells across the region.
The heightened presence of Chinese military assets in areas surrounding Taiwan underscores the fragility of cross-strait relations and poses a significant threat to regional stability and security. Taiwan, a staunch advocate for democracy and self-governance, remains resolute in safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty against external threats.
As tensions continue to escalate in the Taiwan Strait, both Taipei and its international allies are maintaining a vigilant stance, closely monitoring developments and coordinating responses to manage potential escalations. Diplomatic dialogue and de-escalation measures are deemed imperative to prevent any further deterioration of the situation. By fostering open channels of communication and upholding international norms and agreements, stakeholders can work towards a peaceful resolution of the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.