Chinese Military Breaches: In the midst of Taiwan’s intensifying election campaign, Chinese military aircraft once again breached the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, escalating tensions between the two sides. The island, governed democratically but claimed by China as its territory, has been grappling with regular Chinese military patrols and drills near its borders over the past four years. As Taiwan prepares for presidential and parliamentary polls on January 13, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), considered separatist by Beijing, officially registered its presidential ticket on Tuesday. However, the opposition faces internal disagreements regarding a potential joint bid.
The Taiwanese defense ministry reported the detection of J-10 and J-16 fighters, H-6 bombers, and early warning aircraft engaged in overseas missions on Wednesday afternoon. Notably, 11 of these aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, flying in airspace toward the center and southwest of the island. The ministry indicated that these operations were part of “joint combat readiness patrols” conducted in collaboration with Chinese warships.
The Taiwan Strait’s median line, previously an unofficial boundary between the two sides, has seen routine violations as Chinese planes regularly fly over it. In response to the latest incident, Taiwan deployed its own forces to monitor the situation. China’s defense ministry did not provide comments in response to inquiries.
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China justifies its activities near Taiwan as measures to prevent “collusion” between Taiwan separatists and the United States, emphasizing the protection of China’s territorial integrity. Taiwan, rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims, has repeatedly offered talks with China, asserting that only the island’s people can determine their future.
Adding to the complexity, Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, historically supportive of close ties with Beijing, has pledged to reopen dialogue with China if victorious in the upcoming election. This potential shift could further complicate the already intricate geopolitical dynamics in the region.
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