China’s military activities in the vicinity of Taiwan have witnessed a significant surge over the past two weeks, raising concerns about regional stability. Dozens of fighter jets, drones, bombers, and various military aircraft, alongside warships, including China’s aircraft carrier Shandong, have been engaged in operations around Taiwan. This escalation in military maneuvers is widely seen as an assertion of China’s territorial claims over Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, has expressed apprehension regarding China’s escalating military exercises, particularly the simultaneous deployment of fleets both to the east and south of Taiwan’s coastline. Chiu Kuo-cheng warned that such actions could potentially lead to a military confrontation. He emphasized, “The risks associated with these aircraft and naval activities are on the rise, and both parties must remain vigilant.”
China’s military activities in the eastern coastal regions of Taiwan have raised alarm, given that this area plays a crucial strategic role for Taiwan in the event of a potential conflict. Taiwan leverages the mountainous terrain and the lack of direct proximity to China in the eastern coastal areas to fortify its military presence, notably with two primary airbases located there. However, in recent times, China has intensified its military exercises in this region, and there has been no official statement from Beijing regarding the purpose of these activities.
