The island’s Ministry of National Defense reported a dramatic increase in Chinese military movements close to Taiwan.
Large-Scale Military Movements Near Taiwan Spark Global Alarm
US detected a total of 41 military aircraft and eight naval vessels operating near the island. This intense activity comes just days before Taiwan’s major annual military drills known as the Han Kuang exercises.
Twenty-seven of the forty-one planes went across the median line of the Taiwan Strait. For a long time, this line served as Taiwan and China’s unofficial border. The Chinese planes entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zones (ADIZ) in the northern, central, and southwestern regions. The ADIZ is a zone where foreign aircraft are tracked and identified for security reasons. These military movements have added to the growing tension in the region, prompting swift action from Taiwan’s defense forces.
Taiwan’s military swiftly deployed naval vessels and activated patrol planes in reaction to this intrusion. Taiwan’s military tracked the movements of Chinese soldiers and used coastal missile systems to monitor them. With the live-fire phase of the Han Kuang drills set to start this week and run through July 18, the military has maintained a high level of alertness. These annual drills play a key role in preparing the military to respond effectively to any future military movements that could threaten the island’s safety.
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These drills, held annually since 1984, are designed to test and strengthen Taiwan’s defense strategies. The exercises involve both live weapon testing and simulated war games using advanced computer systems. This year’s edition is set to run longer than in previous years, highlighting Taiwan’s concern over rising regional tensions.
United States Calls Out China’s Actions as Destabilizing
The United States has strongly criticized China’s military actions near Taiwan. A US spokesperson stated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial for global security. The official called China’s military actions “illegitimate” and “destabilizing.”
The US also labelled China’s behavior as “irresponsible,” urging the Chinese government to stop engaging in moves that could increase conflict in the region. According to American officials, these ongoing provocations not only put Taiwan at risk but also threaten broader regional peace.
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The statement from the United States comes at a time when concerns are growing internationally about China’s use of military, economic, and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan. Countries around the world are closely monitoring the situation, especially as China continues to increase its military presence in areas near Taiwan.
In addition to military exercises, the US has also expressed its continued support for Taiwan. The country has emphasized that actions threatening the balance in the Taiwan Strait are unacceptable and must be stopped to ensure peace in the region.
Rocket Incident Adds to Military Movements and Regional Tensions
Amid these military tensions, Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed another significant incident. A Chinese carrier rocket went past Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ on Thursday night. While this rocket was not a weapon and was flying above Earth’s atmosphere, it still raised concerns due to the timing and location of its path.
At 5:37 p.m., the rocket was launched from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. It traveled toward the western Pacific, crossing through sensitive airspace around Taiwan. Although the rocket did not pose a direct threat, Taiwan’s military quickly activated joint surveillance and intelligence systems to track its trajectory. This event added to the already high level of alertness among Taiwan’s defense forces.
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Experts view such actions as part of a broader pattern of pressure tactics used by China. These include not only military exercises but also frequent crossings of the median line by aircraft and the movement of naval vessels in nearby waters. Together, these moves have created an atmosphere of unease in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense continues to monitor these developments closely. The military remains prepared to respond to any future intrusions or provocations. The island nation’s ongoing Han Kuang exercises also serve as a visible signal of its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and national security.