Taiwan’s defense ministry reported an increase in Chinese warplane activity around the island during Chinese war games, with a record 153 Chinese military aircraft spotted. The drills, known as “Joint Sword-2024B,” were conducted in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s national day speech which Beijing denounced. The ministry detected 28 Chinese military aircraft crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. Other areas of activity included off Taiwan’s southeastern coast and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. Additionally, 14 Chinese navy ships and 12 official ships were spotted in the region. Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized that such drills can disturb regional peace and stability and impact international navigational rights. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s territorial claims and asserts that only the island’s people can determine their future. The surge in Chinese military activity around Taiwan highlights tensions between the two governments and the broader implications for regional security.
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