Taiwan reported the detection of 153 Chinese military aircraft around its airspace, marking a record number in a single day, according to official data released on Tuesday, reported the news agency AFP.
The surge in aircraft sightings followed large-scale military drills conducted by China, which included fighter jets, drones, warships, and coast guard boats encircling the island.
The 25-hour period leading up to 6:00 am (local time) on Tuesday saw Taiwan's defence ministry on high alert, as 111 of the detected aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a previously respected boundary between mainland China and the self-governed island.
The drills come at a time when tensions are constantly rising between Taipei and Beijing. Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te’s administration has pledged to protect Taiwan’s democracy.
In response, Taiwan deployed its own "appropriate forces" and heightened the alert status of its outlying islands. The island’s government condemned China’s manoeuvres as "irrational and provocative," while the United States described the actions as "unwarranted" and warned that they risked escalating tensions in the region.
Japan also expressed concerns, with its government monitoring the situation closely and scrambling fighter jets near its southern Yonaguni Island. Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary, Kazuhiko Aoki, confirmed that the concerns were conveyed to Beijing.
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. The latest exercises, named Joint Sword 2024B, are the fourth round of large-scale drills in just over two years, with Beijing signalling them as a warning to pro-independence movements in Taiwan.
Lai, who has been more vocal about defending the island’s sovereignty compared to his predecessor, reiterated his commitment to resisting annexation and safeguarding national security.
The surge in aircraft sightings followed large-scale military drills conducted by China, which included fighter jets, drones, warships, and coast guard boats encircling the island.
The 25-hour period leading up to 6:00 am (local time) on Tuesday saw Taiwan's defence ministry on high alert, as 111 of the detected aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a previously respected boundary between mainland China and the self-governed island.
The drills come at a time when tensions are constantly rising between Taipei and Beijing. Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te’s administration has pledged to protect Taiwan’s democracy.
In response, Taiwan deployed its own "appropriate forces" and heightened the alert status of its outlying islands. The island’s government condemned China’s manoeuvres as "irrational and provocative," while the United States described the actions as "unwarranted" and warned that they risked escalating tensions in the region.
Japan also expressed concerns, with its government monitoring the situation closely and scrambling fighter jets near its southern Yonaguni Island. Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary, Kazuhiko Aoki, confirmed that the concerns were conveyed to Beijing.
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. The latest exercises, named Joint Sword 2024B, are the fourth round of large-scale drills in just over two years, with Beijing signalling them as a warning to pro-independence movements in Taiwan.
Lai, who has been more vocal about defending the island’s sovereignty compared to his predecessor, reiterated his commitment to resisting annexation and safeguarding national security.
You may also like
Israel-Gaza conflict could trigger global economic crisis, says World bank chief Ajay Banga
Air India's Delhi-Chicago flight diverted to Canada following bomb threat
Cricket Australia announces Ashes schedule for 2025-26
'Government remains open to ...': What Canada's trade minister said on economic ties amid diplomatic fallout with India
Mum told by doctors bad back could be from 'lifting kids' is given horror cancer diagnosis
Centre extends tenure of Registrar General, appoints new Special Secretary for internal security
Bengaluru Metro Purple Line Faces Disruption Today Due To Heavy Rain; Are Services Running Normally?
Bengaluru Metro services on purple line restored after brief disruption
Stock Market News: Sensex, Nifty Open Lower Amid Global Weakness - Top Losers
'Jai Shri Ram' slogans inside mosque didn't hurt religious feeling, says HC
Canadian Trade Minister assures businesses to support commercial ties with India
Poland rallies to draw against Croatia in UEFA Nations League thriller
Top 5 Stocks For October 16: Oberoi Realty, Cochin Shipyard, Raitel & Others In Focus
"We have a lot to do," says Omar Abdullah, offers prayers at grave of Sheikh Abdullah ahead of swearing-in
Kylian Mbappe Labels Rape Reports 'Fake News', Representatives Calls Allegations 'False' And 'Slanderous'
'Never used to happen earlier ...': How opposition leaders reacted to India-Canada diplomatic fallout
WPL 2025: Retention deadline extended to November 7
Mumbai Weather Today: IMD Predicts Post Monsoon Showers; Air Quality Declines
Tamil Nadu weather: Depression intensifies into cyclone, to hit coast on October 17
RG Kar crime only symptom, nothing short of renaissance could fix the mess: IMA