A Chinese naval formation, led by the Liaoning aircraft carrier, navigated through waters northeast of Taiwan on Wednesday, continuing towards the southeast of Japan’s Yonaguni Island. This movement was confirmed by Taiwan’s government, which stated that its armed forces were actively monitoring the situation and responding as necessary.
U.S. Aircraft Incident
Kabul 24: This naval passage follows an incident on Tuesday when a U.S. P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft traversed the politically sensitive Taiwan Strait. The Chinese military reported that it had tracked the U.S. aircraft, emphasizing its commitment to “resolutely defend national sovereignty” in response to foreign military activities in the region. Li Xi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), reiterated that troops remain on high alert to safeguard regional stability.
Increased Military Activity
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported significant Chinese military activity, noting that within a 24-hour period ending at 6:00 AM Wednesday, nine Chinese military aircraft and 13 naval vessels were detected near the island. Additionally, 15 more Chinese warplanes were observed on Wednesday, with 12 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait for joint training exercises with naval forces. The PLA also conducted rocket launches in Gansu
province during this time.
Context of Tensions
Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has increased military pressure on the island in recent years. The presence of Chinese carriers like Liaoning and Shandong in the Taiwan Strait has become more frequent amid rising tensions with Western nations, particularly following recent transits by U.S. and German military vessels.
