Chinese Warplanes Conduct Record Number of Sorties Near Taiwan Ahead of Presidential Inauguration

Taipei, May 15 : Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported a significant escalation in Chinese military activity on Wednesday, with 45 Chinese warplanes detected in Taiwan’s airspace within a span of 24 hours. This surge marked a record high in daily sorties by Chinese aircraft this year, occurring just days before the upcoming presidential inauguration of Lai Ching-te from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on May 20.

According to the Defence Ministry, 26 of the detected Chinese warplanes breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern and southwestern airspace. Additionally, six Chinese Navy vessels were spotted in the vicinity.

In response to these provocative actions, Taiwan swiftly deployed combat air patrol aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to monitor and address the situation, underscoring the island nation’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This recent surge in Chinese military activity adds to the ongoing tensions between Beijing and Taipei, with Taiwan regularly reporting such maneuvers by Chinese forces. The previous record for daily sorties by Chinese warplanes this year was 36, observed in March.

Taiwan’s democratic process has been closely watched internationally, with Lai’s victory in the presidential election earlier this year signaling a continuation of the island’s pro-independence stance. However, despite Lai’s electoral success, the DPP lost its majority in parliament during the same election cycle.

The longstanding dispute over Taiwan’s status remains a contentious issue, as China asserts its territorial claims over the self-governed island, which has operated independently since 1949. Despite Beijing’s claims, Taiwan maintains its autonomy and democratic governance.

As tensions persist in the region, the escalation of military activities near Taiwan underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the Taiwan Strait.