Chinese Military Presence Escalates with 24 Warplanes Detected Near Taiwan Following Presidential Election

 

In a significant display of force, over 20 Chinese warplanes were identified near Taiwan, with 11 breaching the sensitive median line that separates the self-governed island from China, according to Taiwan's defense ministry on Thursday. This marked the first notable show of strength since the recent presidential election.

The defense ministry, which routinely discloses information about the Chinese military's movements around Taiwan, reported that within the 24 hours leading up to 6 am (2200 GMT), 24 warplanes and 5 ships were detected.

"Eleven of the detected aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan's southwest and north (air defense identification zone)," stated the ministry in an official release.

Despite being an independent entity with its own government, military, and currency, Taiwan remains a contentious issue for China, which considers it a part of its territory. China has consistently asserted its right to use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under its control.

The recent presidential election on Saturday was won by Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, a figure that China views as a "separatist." Ahead of the voting day, Beijing issued warnings, predicting that Lai's victory would lead to "war and decline" in Taiwan.

While China maintains a frequent military presence around Taiwan, it did not deploy an unusually high number of warplanes and naval vessels immediately following the election. However, China did make an impact in the diplomatic arena when Pacific nation Nauru announced a sudden switch of diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China on Monday. This move left Taipei with only 12 countries or states that maintain diplomatic ties.

The largest number of Chinese warplanes detected around Taiwan within a 24-hour period occurred in September, with Taiwan identifying 103 Chinese aircraft, 40 of which crossed the median line.

The continuous deployment of Chinese warplanes and naval assets around Taiwan is seen as a "grey zone" tactic, falling short of outright war but serving as a strategic maneuver, as noted by conflict experts.