Jake Sanders, Taipei
The United States Department of State has condemned China’s increasing military presence around Taiwan, emphasizing that such actions are unjustified and escalate regional tensions. The statement comes as China’s military has ramped up activities ahead of Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military drills, scheduled to commence on Wednesday.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, between 6 a.m. yesterday and the same time today, 41 Chinese aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected operating near Taiwan. Notably, 27 of these aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern air defense identification zones (ADIZ). Taiwan’s armed forces responded by deploying patrol aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor and counter these activities.
A spokesperson from the US Department of State highlighted that maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait is vital for broader regional stability and global prosperity. Critics of China’s recent actions described the military threats as irresponsible and urged Beijing to refrain from further provocations that could destabilize the area.
As Taiwan prepares for its Han Kuang exercises—an annual military drill since 1984 featuring live-fire and simulated war scenarios—the scale of this year’s event has been expanded. The live-fire drills are scheduled from Wednesday through July 18, extending beyond previous years’ shorter durations.
In related news, China’s space agency launched a rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which passed through Taiwan’s ADIZ on Thursday. The rocket, traveling toward the western Pacific, was above the Earth’s atmosphere and posed no threat to Taiwan. The Ministry of National Defense monitored the launch closely, with systems in place to respond to any potential threats.
These developments mark a tense period in the region amid ongoing military demonstrations, with international actors emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
