Taiwan
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it had spotted 103 Chinese military aircraft over the sea since Sunday, a number it called a “current high.”
Guardianship staff and agencies
Monday 18 September 2023, 03:46 BST
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has called on China to stop “destructive, unilateral actions” after reporting a sharp increase in Chinese military activity near the island, warning that such behavior could lead to escalating tensions.
China, which considers democratically ruled Taiwan its own territory, has conducted regular military exercises around the island in recent years to assert its sovereignty claims and put pressure on Taipei.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it had spotted 103 Chinese military aircraft over the sea since Sunday, a number it called a “current high.” The planes were discovered between 6 a.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday, the ministry said. As usual, they turned back before reaching Taiwan.
The ministry described the Chinese military action as “harassment” and warned that it could escalate in the current tense atmosphere. “We call on the Beijing authorities to take responsibility and immediately stop such destructive military activities,” it said in a statement.
China unveils Taiwan’s economic “integration” plan as warships conduct maneuvers offshore
The map of Chinese activity over the past 24 hours showed warplanes crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which had served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides until China began crossing it regularly a year ago.
Other planes flew south of Taiwan through the Bashi Channel, which separates the island from the Philippines.
China’s activities over the past day have created “serious challenges” to security in the strait and the region, the ministry said in its statement. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the shared responsibility of all parties in the region, it said.
China’s Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry noted last week that July to September is traditionally the busiest time for Chinese military exercises along the coast.
China is bolstering its air power over Taiwan by permanently stationing new fighter jets and drones at expanded air bases, Taiwan’s defense ministry said in its biennial report this month.
Last week, the Chinese government unveiled a “new path to integrated development” with Taiwan, including proposals to make it easier for Taiwanese to live, study and work in China.
At the same time, the country deployed the largest number of warships in years to waters off eastern Taiwan, signaling a choice between peaceful “reunification” and military force, analysts said, just months before Taiwan’s presidential election.
With Portal and Associated Press
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