Belligerent China sends six balloons, nine warplanes near Taiwan in big move to build pressure

Taiwan’s defence ministry on Friday (February 7) said that it detected six Chinese balloons near the island over the past 24 hours, one of the highest recorded numbers in recent months as Beijing maintains military pressure to assert its sovereignty claim.

The balloons were spotted between 6 am Thursday (February 6) and 6 am Friday, along with nine Chinese military aircraft, six warships, and two official vessels operating near Taiwan, the ministry said in its daily update.

China’s continuing belligerence

China frequently sends balloons and military assets near Taiwan as part of its ongoing campaign to pressure the island.

In recent years, China has ramped up military activities around Taiwan, deploying fighter jets, warships, and reconnaissance balloons. Right at the beginning of the New Year, on January 2, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted its first combat patrol of the year around Taiwan. It involved 22 military aircraft, 18 of which crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait.

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According to the Council on Foreign Relations, “violations of Taiwan’s de facto air defense identification zone (ADIZ) continued at a steady pace, with 235 aircraft and maritime vessels entering the ADIZ since January 1.”

Meanwhile, China is also working to diplomatically isolate the island by poaching its allies and blocking its participation in international organisations.

While Taiwan considers itself a sovereign nation, Beijing claims it as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to “unify” it with the mainland.

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A potential flashpoint

Taiwan has increased military spending in recent years, but it remains dependent on arms sales from US– its most important partner and weapons supplier– to bolster its defence capabilities.

As such, the island remains a potential flashpoint for conflict between China and the United States.

While Washington is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons, it has long maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding whether it would intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack.

With inputs from AFP