International Desk: 45 Chinese warplanes were seen around Taiwan in one day. The defense ministry of the self-governing island called on China to stop such “provocative activities” in a statement on Wednesday.
According to NDTV, this is the highest number of Chinese military aircraft in Taiwan’s skies in one day this year. Beijing has stoked fresh tensions ahead of the self-governing island’s new president taking office.
Taiwan’s current vice president, Lai Ching-te, will take over as the new president of the autonomous island on May 20. Ever since he won the elections held in January this year, tensions have been rising.
Although Taiwan considers itself an independent island, China has always considered it part of its mainland. Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years. Chinese warplanes, drones, and naval vessels are seen around the island almost daily. Such actions by China have become a source of great discomfort for Taiwan.
China has described Taiwan’s new president as a “dangerous separatist,” saying he would spark conflict on the island and bring about the island’s collapse.
Taipei’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday it had detected 45 Chinese aircraft and six ships in the vicinity of Taiwan in the past 24 hours. Of these, 26 crossed the middle line of the Taiwan Strait, the ministry said in a statement.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense also said they are monitoring the entire situation and have responded appropriately.
Earlier last April, the presence of 30 Chinese military aircraft was detected around Taiwan. In addition, last September, 103 Chinese aircraft were detected, of which 40 crossed the middle line of the Taiwan Strait.
Taipei marks the center line of the Taiwan Strait as the unofficial dividing line. But Chinese warplanes, drones, and balloons routinely fly over it, denying Taipei’s claims.
