Chinese Military Aircraft Breach Taiwan Strait Median Line

Taiwan's Defense Ministry has reported that 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait in a 24-hour period starting on Thursday. The aircraft came as close as 41 nautical miles (76 km) to the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung, home to a major naval base.

This incursion marks a notable breach of the previously respected unofficial border between China and Taiwan.

Why this matters: The escalation of tensions between China and Taiwan has significant implications for regional stability and global security, as it could potentially draw in other major powers like the United States. The escalation of tensions between China and Taiwan has significant implications for regional stability and global security, as it could potentially draw in other major powers like the United States. In addition, the increased military activity around Taiwan could lead to a miscalculation or accident, sparking a wider conflict.

The incident is part of a broader pattern of increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan in recent years. China views Taiwan as its own territory, a position strongly rejected by the Taiwanese government. The median line, which once served as a de facto border, is now regularly crossed by Chinese military aircraft, with Beijing claiming that the line does not exist.

Taiwan reported that China carried out a "joint combat readiness patrol" near the island for the second time in a week on Thursday. The Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command released images of ships conducting live combat landing drills on its WeChat social media account, although the exact location and date were not disclosed. The accompanying text stated, "The vanguard of the landing team are always ready to fight."

Taiwan's top security official, Tsai Ming-yen, warned that the island is on high alert for China to carry out military exercises following the May 20 inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te. Lai, who is strongly disliked by China and viewed as a dangerous separatist, won the presidential election in January. China has rejected Lai's repeated offers of talks, including one made last week.

Tsai Ming-yen noted that China has begun employing unusual new tactics, "including organizing night combat patrols and deploying landing ships and minesweepers in those patrols." Additionally, China's coast guard has stepped up patrols around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands, which lie just off the Chinese coast, in a move Taiwan has denounced as an intimidation tactic.

The escalating tensions between China and Taiwan have drawn international concern, particularly from the United States, which has a longstanding policy of supporting Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. The U.S. Department of Defense has closely monitored the situation and recently reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

With the May 20 inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te approaching, the world will be watching closely to see how China responds. Lai, like current President Tsai Ing-wen, rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and maintains that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. The coming weeks and months will be a critical period in shaping the trajectory of cross-strait relations and the broader geopolitical environment in the region.

Key Takeaways

• 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in 24 hours.
• Incursion marks a breach of the unofficial border between China and Taiwan.
• China views Taiwan as its own territory, rejected by the Taiwanese government.
• Taiwan on high alert for Chinese military exercises after May 20 inauguration.
• Escalating tensions draw international concern, particularly from the US.