Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
It happened just days after a British Warship sailed throug the Taiwan Strait.
It happened just days after a British Warship sailed throug the Taiwan Strait.
What is happening?
Over a 30-hour stretch, Taiwan recorded 74 Chinese fighter jets circling its main island, a surge in military activity that has drawn international attention.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported the incident on Friday, describing it as a significant escalation in regional tensions.
Days After British Warship Sails Through
The flurry of Chinese military activity followed just two days after the British Royal Navy’s HMS Spey sailed through the Taiwan Strait.
The timing has raised eyebrows, with analysts suggesting the flyovers may be a direct response to the British naval presence.
Dozens Detected in 24 Hours
According to Taiwan’s defense officials, 50 aircrafts and six Chinese navy vessels were detected in the 24-hour period.
A second wave of 24 aircrafts was identified later that morning, indicating sustained operations.
A Global Flashpoint
At the heart of the tension lies the 180-kilometer-wide Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China.
While Beijing claims the strait as part of its territory, the United States and its allies consider it international waters, open to all maritime traffic.
Beijing Reacts Harshly to Naval Movements
The last time a British military vessel—HMS Richmond—navigated the Taiwan Strait in 2021, it sparked fierce condemnation from China.
Beijing responded by deploying its military to shadow the ship, signaling its disapproval of what it saw as a provocation.
Continued Challenge to China’s Claims
Since early this year, US and Canadian warships, along with an American surveillance vessel, have made similar passages through the strait.
Each time, China has issued stern responses, underscoring the geopolitical stakes in the region.
Military Pressure Ramps
China has steadily increased its deployments of fighter jets and naval forces around Taiwan in recent years.
Analysts view these maneuvers as part of Beijing’s broader campaign to assert sovereignty over the self-governed island—a claim strongly rejected by Taipei.
Espionage, Cyberattacks, and Disinformation
In addition to physical military pressure, Taiwan accuses China of waging a hybrid campaign that includes espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation.
These efforts, officials say, aim to undermine Taiwan’s defenses and destabilize its society.
No Signs of Easing
With repeated military incursions and provocative naval movements, the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains volatile.