Taipei: Taiwan sounded the alarm on Saturday as Chinese military aircraft breached the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his visit to China.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the United States remains Taiwan’s staunchest international supporter and arms provider. Blinken emphasized the “critical importance” of maintaining peace and stability in the strait during his discussions in China.
China, asserting Taiwan as its territory, has been exerting increased military pressure on the democratically governed island, which vehemently rejects Beijing’s claims.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that starting at 9:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, it detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, of which 12 crossed the median line toward Taiwan’s north and center. Historically, the median line served as an unofficial boundary barring military incursions from either side, but China now routinely sends aircraft over it, refusing to acknowledge its existence.
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Describing the Chinese aircraft as engaged in “joint combat readiness patrols” with Chinese warships, Taiwan’s defense ministry noted that Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded “appropriately”, without providing further specifics.
China’s defense ministry remained silent on the matter when contacted outside of office hours on Saturday.
Despite Taiwan’s well-equipped and well-trained armed forces, they are overshadowed by China’s vastly superior military, particularly in terms of naval and aerial capabilities, which are deployed almost daily in response to Chinese missions.
For Beijing, Taiwan remains the paramount issue in its relations with the United States, with repeated demands for an end to American weapons sales to Taiwan.
Taiwan’s President-elect, Lai Ching-te, is set to assume office on May 20 after winning January’s election. Beijing perceives him as a dangerous separatist and has consistently rebuffed his calls for dialogue.
Lai, echoing outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, reiterated on Thursday that China should be willing to engage with Taiwan’s duly elected government. Both leaders emphasize that Taiwan’s future should be determined solely by its people.
