Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday that 59 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels were detected operating around the island over the past 24 hours, marking one of the highest levels of activity in recent months. The escalation coincides with Taiwan’s five-day military drill aimed at countering sudden military actions from Beijing.
According to the ministry, 43 of the detected sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in multiple regions, including the north, central, southwest, and east. Two Chinese balloons were also spotted near the island.
Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has ramped up military maneuvers around the island, describing them as necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the operations serve as a “resolute response to foreign support for Taiwan’s independence” and a “serious warning” to separatist forces.
Taipei, in response, released footage of its armed forces monitoring the incursions and conducting joint maritime and aerial tracking operations. “Our mission is to always be prepared to defend the nation,” the Taiwanese Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The increased Chinese military presence follows recent comments by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who referred to China as a “foreign hostile force.” Beijing has condemned Lai’s remarks, labeling them as provocative and an attempt to undermine cross-strait stability.
The Taiwan Strait, a crucial international shipping lane, remains a flashpoint in regional tensions. While China does not interfere with civilian vessels, it regularly objects to the presence of U.S. and allied warships in the area. The ongoing military activities highlight the persistent geopolitical friction between Beijing and Taipei, with Taiwan’s government warning of increasing Chinese espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.
Meanwhile, Beijing has also criticized the United States over modifications to the State Department’s website, alleging that the removal of language reaffirming the One-China policy sends the “wrong signals” to Taiwan’s leadership. The dispute adds to broader international concerns, with the G7 recently condemning China’s military activities as a threat to regional stability.
As tensions continue to rise, both Taiwan and China remain engaged in military posturing, further complicating the already fragile cross-strait relations.
📌Taiwan detects 59 Chinese aircraft, 9 warships near island; 43 jets crossed median line amid military drills.
📎https://t.co/ufFwTdwtBu pic.twitter.com/ThBnmM3AdS
— Defensehere (@defensehere_en) March 18, 2025