Taiwan reported renewed Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday, as 12 aircraft crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. This occurred a day after US Secretary of State concluded a visit to China.
The United States is Taiwan’s key international supporter and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. Blinken emphasized the “critical importance” of maintaining peace and stability across the strait during his visit to China.
Taiwan, a democratic state, has faced escalating military pressure from China, which considers the island its own territory—a claim Taiwan’s government rejects.
Taiwan’s defense ministry noted that 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, were detected from 9:30 a.m. (local time) on Saturday, with 12 crossing the median line towards Taiwan’s north and center. The median line, an unofficial border, was once respected by both sides, but China now regularly sends aircraft over it, stating it does not recognize its existence.
The defense ministry stated the Chinese aircraft were involved in “joint combat readiness patrols” with Chinese warships, and Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded “appropriately,” without providing further details.
China’s defense ministry did not respond to calls seeking comment outside of office hours on Saturday.
Taiwan’s armed forces are well-equipped and trained but significantly smaller than China’s, especially in naval and air power, which respond nearly daily to Chinese missions.
China regards Taiwan as the most important issue in its relations with the United States and has repeatedly demanded an end to US weapons sales to Taiwan.
President-elect Lai Ching-te, who assumes office on May 20 after winning January’s election, has been labeled a dangerous separatist by Beijing, which has rejected his calls for talks. Lai stated on Thursday that China should have the confidence to engage with Taiwan’s legally elected government, echoing outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen’s stance that only Taiwan’s people can determine their future.