Recent developments in the Taiwan Strait have heightened tensions in the region as Taiwan reported the detection of 39 Chinese warplanes and an aircraft carrier near the island. This came in the wake of a transit by a U.S. destroyer and a Canadian frigate through the Taiwan Strait over the weekend. The presence of such a significant Chinese military presence in the vicinity underscores the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and mainland China, VOA reported.
Chinese Military Deployment
Between September 10 and September 11 morning, Taiwan's defense ministry identified 26 aircraft and 13 warships operating in proximity to the island, with an additional 13 planes detected during the early hours of Monday. China's Shandong aircraft carrier was also identified approximately 111 kilometers southeast of Taiwan's southernmost tip, Eluanbi. It was reported to be sailing eastward, entering the Western Pacific for training purposes.
Taiwan's Concerns
China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and has consistently expressed its determination to bring the island under its control, including through military means if necessary. In recent years, Beijing has escalated both military and political pressure on Taiwan, often conducting naval exercises and sending warplanes close to the island, especially during diplomatic engagements between Taiwan and other countries.
Of particular concern, Taiwan noted that 22 of the 39 recently detected Chinese warplanes had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China. Taiwan's defense ministry issued a statement saying,
"The military is closely monitoring the situation and has tasked aircraft, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond."
The transit of a U.S. destroyer, the USS Ralph Johnson, and a Canadian frigate, HMCS Ottawa, through the Taiwan Strait over the weekend drew attention to the region's growing tensions. The U.S. Navy emphasized that such transits demonstrate the commitment of the United States and its allies to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The United States and its Western allies have been increasing "freedom of navigation" operations in both the Taiwan Strait and the disputed South China Sea, asserting that these are international waterways, a move that has consistently irked Beijing.
Earlier Daryo reported that Taiwan boosts defense with $2.97 bn allocation amid escalating China tensions.
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