 "45 aircraft, 14 warships: Taiwan reports largest Chinese military presence in 2025 after ‘live-fire’ drills")
Taiwan’s defence ministry said Thursday (February 27) that it had detected 45 Chinese aircraft and 14 warships operating near the island, marking the highest military presence recorded this year.
The surge in activity follows Taipei’s condemnation of China’s recent “live-fire” drills off its southern coast.
In the 24-hour period ending at 6 am Thursday (10 pm GMT, Wednesday), Chinese military aircraft and vessels were spotted near Taiwan, the ministry said in a statement.
The escalation comes a day after Taiwan accused Beijing of conducting live-fire exercises without prior warning in an area about 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) off its southern coast. Taipei condemned the drills as “dangerous” and violating “international norms.”
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has significantly increased its deployment of fighter jets and warships around the island in recent years in a bid to assert its sovereignty. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claims and maintains it is a self-governed democracy.
China stokes anxiety in Taiwan
Earlier this month, Taiwan’s defence ministry also reported the presence of six Chinese balloons along with nine military aircraft, six warships, and two official vessels near the island, one of the highest recorded numbers in recent months.
The Chinese military’s frequent manoeuvres are seen as part of a sustained pressure campaign against Taiwan.
Taiwan has also voiced concerns over the security of its undersea communication cables after a Chinese-owned cargo ship was suspected of cutting one northeast of the island this year.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOfficials fear Beijing could sever key infrastructure as part of a broader effort to blockade or seize Taiwan.
New Zealand, Australia voice concerns
Meanwhile, China’s military actions are drawing concern beyond Taiwan. New Zealand raised alarm over the surprise deployment of Chinese warships off its western coast during high-level talks in Beijing, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Thursday.
Dozens of commercial flights were forced to reroute last week when China announced live-fire drills in a busy air corridor between Australia and New Zealand.
Both countries criticised Beijing for failing to provide adequate notice. Australian officials said the last-minute warning was broadcast on a channel that was not regularly monitored by air traffic controllers.
With inputs from AFP
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