Taiwan Detects 35 Chinese Military Aircraft Amid Rising Tensions

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported on Sunday, November 3, 2024, the detection of 35 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters and bombers, heading south towards the Pacific for military exercises. This marks the second consecutive day that such military activities have been observed.

China considers Taiwan, which operates as a democratically governed entity, as part of its territory and routinely conducts military operations near the island to assert its sovereignty claims. Despite the provocative actions, China’s Defense Ministry has not commented on the recent missions, which come just ahead of the U.S. presidential election on Tuesday.

Under U.S. law, the country is obligated to supply Taiwan with the necessary resources to defend itself. Recent arms sales, including a $2 billion missile system announced last month, have heightened tensions with Beijing.

According to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, starting at 9 a.m. local time on Sunday, a total of 37 Chinese military aircraft were detected. This included J-16 fighter jets, nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, and drones. Of these, 35 aircraft continued their flight towards Taiwan’s southwest, south, and southeast into the Western Pacific for long-range training exercises. In response, Taiwan deployed its own forces to monitor the situation.

On the previous day, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that China conducted a “joint combat readiness patrol” involving both warships and aircraft in the vicinity of Taiwan. Last month, China also carried out extensive military drills around Taiwan, which it characterized as a warning against “separatist actions,” drawing sharp criticism from both the Taiwanese and U.S. governments.

Tensions have been particularly high since the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in May, whom Beijing labels a “separatist.” Despite Lai’s calls for dialogue with China, he has faced consistent rejection from the Chinese government, asserting that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their future.