Taiwan’s defense ministry has reported the detection of 66 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, operating around the island. This significant surge in Chinese military activity near Taiwan has sparked alarm bells, raising concerns over China’s intentions towards the island.
The recent reports come after the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong was spotted conducting drills in the Pacific, further adding to growing anxieties. Taiwan’s government views these actions as a serious threat to regional stability, emphasizing China’s use of “grey zone” tactics designed to pressure Taiwan. These tactics involve activities that fall short of outright conflict but aim to exert pressure through a series of actions, such as regular coast guard patrols near Taiwan-controlled islands.
The current situation coincides with a draft communique from the NATO summit, which identifies China as a significant challenge to European and global security, citing its support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. This global concern over China’s actions reinforces Taiwan’s fears about its own security.
In response to these escalating tensions, Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, has stressed the need for strengthening the island’s defenses. Taiwan has previously reported the Shandong operating near the island, including in December, when it passed through the Taiwan Strait just weeks ahead of Taiwanese elections. However, experts believe China is still a long way from mastering carrier operations.
The broader regional security picture is also worrying. China’s assertive claims in the South China Sea are causing friction with the Philippines. Japan has also tracked Russian warships near Taiwan and sent a destroyer into Chinese territorial waters near the island, reflecting a broader pattern of increased military activity and a growing sense of unease in the region. The US, Australia, and Japan are strengthening their military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the potential for conflict and the ongoing struggle for regional stability.