Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Military Activity

Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Military Activity

Increased Military Presence Without Live-Fire Exercises

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported a surge in Chinese military activity on Wednesday, though officials confirmed no live-fire exercises were detected in a drill zone off Taiwan’s southwestern coast. China had earlier announced “shooting” drills in the Taiwan Strait, near the cities of Kaohsiung and Pingtung.

Taiwan’s government condemned the move as dangerous and provocative, criticizing the lack of prior notice and the risks posed to commercial air and sea traffic. China has yet to comment on the situation.

Chinese Military Movements

Taiwan’s defense ministry detected 45 Chinese military aircraft and 14 navy ships operating around the island within the past 24 hours. Seven ships were spotted within the Chinese-declared drill zone, which is 40 nautical miles off Taiwan’s coast. The drill zone spans 70 nautical miles in length and 20 nautical miles in width, though it remains outside Taiwan’s territorial waters.

No Live Fire Detected

Senior Taiwanese officials, speaking anonymously, stated that no live-fire exercises were observed. They compared China’s recent activities to other exercises in the South China Sea and near Australia, where China’s military did not provide adequate notice.

One official described the situation as highly unusual and exceeding general expectations. Taiwan’s allies are reportedly discussing risk management strategies to address regional security concerns.

Taiwan Condemns Chinese Actions

Taiwan’s foreign ministry labeled China as the “biggest troublemaker” in the region and urged the international community to monitor security developments in the Taiwan Strait. The ministry called for joint condemnation of China’s unilateral military actions.

U.S. Response

Speaking in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to comment on the possibility of China taking control of Taiwan by force. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed America’s long-standing opposition to any coercive change in Taiwan’s status. He emphasized that the U.S. has existing commitments to prevent and respond to such actions, stating that China is well aware of these commitments.

Upcoming Chinese Political Events

China is set to hold its annual parliamentary meeting next week, where it will announce its defense budget for the year. Additionally, March marks the 20th anniversary of China’s “anti-secession law,” which permits the use of force against Taiwan in extreme cases, though its provisions remain vague.

Taiwan Detains Chinese Cargo Vessel

Taiwan recently detained a Chinese-linked cargo vessel on suspicion of damaging an undersea communications cable. Authorities in Tainan detained the ship’s Chinese captain and barred seven other crew members from leaving Taiwan.

China responded by downplaying the incident, stating that undersea cables are frequently damaged worldwide by accident. Taiwan, however, remains cautious, viewing the event as a potential security concern.

“Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Military Activity” “Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Military Activity” “Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Military Activity”