Taiwan detects 43 Chinese warplanes and 7 ships around self-governing island

China sent 43 warplanes and seven naval vessels near the island of Taiwan in 24 hours, the latest sign that Beijing plans no let-up in its campaign of harassment, threats and intimidation. The Taiwanese military said 37 of the Chinese aircraft were reported to have crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait between mainland China and the island. In response to Chinese military activities, Taiwan closely monitored the situation, deploying jet fighters, dispatching ships, and activating land-based missile systems. These actions represent standard procedures for countering Chinese military actions, which often include entering Taiwan’s air defence identification zone without breaching its actual airspace. The frequency and assertiveness of China’s manoeuvres have increased notably since the visit of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022. China, in protest of her trip to Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a part of its territory to be reunified through force, if necessary, suspended military communication with the United States. China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and routinely conducts military exercises in the vicinity of the self-governed island. The possibility of employing force to assert control over Taiwan has not been ruled out. China’s military actions are perceived as attempts to erode Taiwanese morale, strain the island’s pilots and military personnel, and wear down its equipment. Despite these challenges, the concept of de facto independence enjoys widespread support among Taiwanese voters. To bolster its defence capabilities, Taiwan has increased its defence budget, procured new equipment from the United States, its primary ally, and initiated domestic production of certain items, including submarines. At an international defence forum in Beijing on Monday, China’s second-ranking military official Gen. Zhang Youxia reiterated threats by the Chinese government to retaliate against moves toward establishing Taiwan’s formal independence, saying that “no matter who tries to split Taiwan from China in any form, China and the Chinese military will never allow that to happen”. Zhang, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, which oversees the world’s largest standing military, opened the three-day event in the absence of former Defence Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, who would have normally hosted the event. Li was removed from his position last week after a two-month absence from public view. The government has not provided any reason for his removal. With inputs from agencies.