China conducted extensive military exercises surrounding Taiwan on Monday, deploying a record-breaking 125 military aircraft in a demonstration of force aimed at deterring Taiwanese independence aspirations, officials say.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that this was the highest number of Chinese military aircraft observed in a single day, with 90 of them, including warplanes, helicopters, and drones, detected within Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
China’s Defense Ministry justified the drills as a response to Taiwan’s refusal to acknowledge itself as part of the People’s Republic of China under the rule of the Communist Party, as demanded by Beijing.
The military operation coincided with the fourth anniversary of Taiwan’s National Day, a day commemorating the founding of its government. In a speech delivered on the occasion, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to “resist annexation or encroachment,” asserting that China has no right to represent Taiwan.
“The United States is seriously concerned by the People’s Liberation Army joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan,” Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated. “The PRC response with military provocations to a routine annual speech is unwarranted and risks escalation.
“We call on the PRC to act with restraint and to avoid any further actions that may undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the broader region, which is essential to regional peace and prosperity and a matter of international concern,” he added. “We continue to monitor PRC activities and coordinate with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned Taiwanese independence during a briefing last Friday, declaring, “I would like to stress that ‘Taiwan independence’ is as incompatible with peace of the Taiwan Strait as fire with water.”
“The Lai Ching-te authorities’ attempt to reject reunification through the use of force is futile. No matter how many weapons they buy, they cannot stop the historical trend toward China’s reunification,” she also stated.
A map broadcast on China’s state broadcaster CCTV depicted six large blocks encircling Taiwan, indicating the locations of the military drills, along with circles around Taiwan’s outlying islands. China’s Defense Ministry has not provided information on the duration of the exercises.
China deployed its Liaoning aircraft carrier for the drills, and CCTV aired footage of a J-15 fighter jet taking off from the carrier’s deck, though the carrier’s precise location remains unclear.
According to the Associated Press, Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for China’s People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, confirmed that the drills involved an integrated operation encompassing the navy, army air force, and missile corps.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported deploying warships to designated locations in the ocean for surveillance and preparedness. It also deployed mobile missile and radar groups on land to track vessels at sea.
“Our military will definitely deal with the threat from China appropriately,” Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s security council, remarked at a forum in Taipei on Monday, as reported by the AP. “Threatening other countries with force violates the basic spirit of the United Nations Charter to resolve disputes through peaceful means.”