Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) has strongly refuted China’s claims over the Taiwan Strait, asserting that it is not under Chinese sovereignty. The ministry emphasized that the freedom of navigation exercised by international allies demonstrates the strait’s legal status.
“The Taiwan Strait is by no means under PRC sovereignty! Like-minded countries’ freedom of navigation proves its legal status. PLA military actions against Taiwan and its neighbors only reaffirm that the PRC is the greatest threat to regional peace and stability,” the MND stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Escalating Chinese Military Activity
Taiwan has reported a sharp increase in Chinese military maneuvers around the island. According to the MND, as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) on Monday, Taiwan detected:
- 41 Chinese military aircraft
- 9 PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) vessels
- 1 Chinese official ship
Among them, 28 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). Taiwan’s military has been closely monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures.
Taiwan Strengthens Ties with the US
On the same day, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met with Matt Pottinger, former US Deputy National Security Advisor, and Mark C. Montgomery, Executive Director of the US Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
“Pleased to meet Matt Pottinger & Mark C. Montgomery for an in-depth discussion on the Taiwan-US partnership. With a commitment to peace through strength, Taiwan will enhance its security by bolstering defense & building resilient non-red supply chains with global partners,” Lai posted on X.
Taiwan-China Conflict: A Longstanding Issue
The Taiwan-China dispute remains one of the most pressing geopolitical challenges. While Taiwan operates as an independent nation with its own government, military, and economy, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province under the One China policy.
Since the end of the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), Beijing has exerted diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to assert its claim over Taiwan. However, Taiwan continues to resist, enjoying strong domestic and international support for its sovereignty.
