Chinese aircraft detected near Taiwan for joint military drills
- 37 Chinese aircraft were spotted near Taiwan on their way to joint military exercises.
- The presence of Chinese aircraft near Taiwan raises tensions in the region.
- Taiwan's defense ministry is closely monitoring the situation to ensure national security.
In a recent development, Taiwan's defence ministry reported the detection of 37 Chinese aircraft around the self-ruled island as they were en route to exercises with an aircraft carrier in the western Pacific. China, which considers Taiwan as part of its territory, maintains a regular presence of fighter jets, drones, and warships near the island, strategically located just 180 kilometers from the southern Chinese coast. This region is deemed crucial by military strategists as it serves as a gateway from the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The majority of the Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and drones, crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, which divides the narrow waterway between Taiwan and China. The aircraft were reported to be heading towards the Western Pacific to engage in joint sea and air training with the aircraft carrier Shandong. Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo clarified that the Shandong did not pass through the Bashi Channel but instead proceeded further south through the Balingtang Channel towards the Western Pacific. The Chinese navy's Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier Shandong was observed conducting operations with fighter aircraft and helicopters on board. China has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and has intensified military and political pressures on the island in recent years. In response to these provocations, Taiwan's officials, including Defence Minister Koo and American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene, emphasized the importance of their partnership in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Despite not having official diplomatic recognition, the United States remains a key ally of Taiwan and a major supplier of weapons, much to the displeasure of Beijing. Greene reiterated Washington's commitment to supporting Taiwan's defense capabilities, highlighting the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and global security. The situation continues to be monitored closely to safeguard the sovereignty and security of all parties involved.