Chinese Air, Naval Forces Edge Closer To Taiwan As Presidential Inauguration Approaches
Taiwanese authorities are currently tracking an increase in patrols by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) near Kinmen island located near China's mainland.
TAIPEI - As Taiwan gets ready to inaugurate its new President Lai Ching-te, Chinese military aircraft are edging closer to the island, and even carrying out “joint combat readiness patrols” in the region with its warships simulating attacks on vessels entering the Taiwan Strait which China claims as its own territory but is seen by the United States as international waters.
The inauguration for the new President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Meiqin is set for May 20th. Political scientist at Soochow University in Taiwan Chen Fang-yu said, “In the short term, Beijing is trying to see how the new Taiwanese government under Lai may respond to its pressure campaign”.
He added, “At the same time, the Chinese government is attempting to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait when Taipei is focusing on the inauguration”.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that it had spotted 45 Chinese military aircraft and 6 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels around the island of Taiwan on May 15th, 2024, 26 of which it said crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered into the island’s northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Director General of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, Tsai Ming-yen spoke to Taiwanese lawmakers on May 1st that the Chinese military has been carrying out new tactics during its joint patrols near the island, including staging patrols during the night, and incorporating the use of landing ships and minesweepers during the exercises.
Taiwanese Authorities Tracking Increase In Patrols By China
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