Taiwan: 14 Chinese Aircrafts Cross the Taiwan Strait’s Median Line; Relations Tensed

Taiwan’s defence ministry reported detecting 14 Chinese military aircrafts crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait within the past 24 hours, with some venturing as close as 41 nautical miles to the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung, home to a strategic navy base. This unofficial border between the two sides has been repeatedly breached by Chinese jets, despite China’s refusal to acknowledge its existence.

Additionally, China’s Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army showcased images of what it dubbed as live combat landing drills on its WeChat social media account. These drills depicted ship-mounted guns and formations.

Taiwan’s President-elect’s Inauguration

The timing of these manoeuvres is particularly notable as Taiwan prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te later this month. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen highlighted Taiwan’s vigilance against China’s developing military tactics including nighttime combat patrols and the use of landing ships and minesweepers.

Lai’s impending presidency has irked Beijing, with China viewing him as a dangerous separatist. Despite Lai’s promotion of dialogue, China remains firm in its rejection, emphasizing its stance against his predecessor, President Tsai Ing-wen. Lai has served as Taiwan’s vice president for the past four years. Both Lai and Tsai reject China’s sovereignty claims, advocating for Taiwan’s self-determination.

Escalating Incursions

Overall 15 PLA aircraft in various types (including SU-30, KJ-500, UAVs, etc.) were detected along the southeastern coast of Mainland China from 1600hr today.

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 2, 2024

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense documented 15 Chinese military aircraft and an unspecified number of naval ships in areas around Taiwan, with ten warplanes and drones among them crossing the median line, venturing into Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). ADIZ is a self-declared zone where a state claims the right to identify, locate and control approaching foreign aircrafts, but it does not fall under the definition of territorial airspace as established by international law.

Such incidents have become increasingly frequent since September 2020. China significantly intensified its military activities in early August 2022 following a visit by the U.S. House Speaker to Taiwan, conducting live-fire drills in multiple locations around the state.