China’s military recently increased its provocative operations near Taiwan by flying over 100 military aircraft near the island. This move comes as China has vowed to eventually take over Taiwan. On Sunday, a total of 103 jets were detected, with 40 of them crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, nine PLA navy vessels were spotted. The Chinese warplanes included various types, such as Su-30s, J-10s, J-11s, J-16s, Y-20 refueling tankers, and KJ-500 warning and control jets.
This recent demonstration follows major Chinese war games around Taiwan from September 11 to September 15. The war games involved 20 warships, including the aircraft carrier Shandong. In response, Taiwan scrambled jets, deployed naval vessels, and activated land-based missile systems. Crossing the unofficial maritime dividing line between Taiwan and mainland China was previously a way to maintain a fragile status quo. However, China’s recent actions indicate a challenge to the status quo and have raised concerns from the United States and Taiwan.
China’s activities near Taiwan appear to be part of a broader pressure campaign to enforce its maritime claims in the region. These claims have been rejected by the U.S. and smaller countries in East Asia. Chinese vessels recently fired a water cannon at a Philippine ship near the Spratly Islands, and Japan protested the deployment of an oceanographic buoy by China near the Senkaku Islands, which both countries claim.
The warplane flights near Taiwan coincided with major war game exercises around the island and meetings between White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Taiwan was a major topic of discussion during these meetings held in Malta. The purpose of the talks was to promote greater communication and maintain relations during times of tension. However, Chinese state media emphasized that Taiwan is a “red line” that must not be crossed.
Analysts believe that the large-scale air and naval activity near Taiwan indicates a significant level of preparation and could potentially lead to real action in the future.
Source: Globeblognews
