Taiwan Mobilizes Defenses Against China's Aggression: The Latest Updates

Taiwan Boosts Defenses Amid Chinese Incursions

Taiwan took action to defend itself by launching fighter jets, putting its navy on high alert, and activating missile systems in response to China's military incursions. 34 Chinese military aircraft and 9 warships were seen in the vicinity, a part of Beijing's plan to unnerve and intimidate the self-ruling island nation.

The large-scale deployment of Chinese military forces has raised concerns among US military leaders, diplomats, and elected officials. US Air Force General Mike Minihan, who heads the Air Mobility Command, recently instructed his officers to be prepared for a potential US-China conflict over Taiwan by 2025.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that 20 Chinese aircraft crossed the central line in the Taiwan Strait, a long-standing unofficial boundary, on Tuesday. China views Taiwan as its territory, while the majority of Taiwanese reject being ruled by China's communist party.

The Defense Ministry stated that the Taiwanese armed forces monitored the situation and were ready to respond to these activities. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also warned that China's growing aggression and partnership with Russia pose a threat to Asia and Europe. Stoltenberg emphasized the need for Japan and other democracies to work together with NATO to defend the international order.

China accused NATO of overstepping its bounds and “playing up” China’s threats. The Foreign Ministry claimed that China is a force for peace and stability and does not welcome the Cold War mentality and division.

The reason for China's actions towards Taiwan is not clear, but it coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing. China often uses Taiwan to flag the most pressing issue in US-China relations ahead of high-level discussions.

Taiwan has been the target of China's daily incursions with its military forces including warships, bombers, fighter jets, and support aircraft. China aims to exhaust Taiwan's limited defense resources and erode support for President Tsai Ing-wen. Beijing has threatened retaliation against nations that seek closer ties with Taiwan, but such attempts at intimidation have been met with backlash from nations like Europe, Japan, and the US.

Taiwan has taken steps to strengthen its defense against China's threats. It ordered more defensive weaponry from the US, strengthened its foreign relations through its democracy and tech-focused economy, and revitalized its domestic arms industry. Compulsory military service for men has been extended to a year, and public opinion supports increased defense spending. Taiwan has learned from Russia's war in Ukraine and believes it can deter an attack by China or defend itself if invaded.

Taiwan is set to hold presidential elections next year, in contrast to China's one-party rule under President Xi Jinping. China's attempts to reach out to Taiwan's pro-unification Nationalist Party have largely failed. The Nationalists did well in local elections, but their pro-Beijing policies have not resonated with voters on a national level.