In a dramatic escalation, Taiwan has detected an unprecedented wave of Chinese military activity, raising serious concerns about Beijing's intentions in the Taiwan Strait. The self-ruled island remains on high alert amid ongoing large-scale drills that appear designed to simulate a full blockade.
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Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported on Tuesday that it had tracked 130 Chinese military aircraft operating near the island over a 24-hour period. This massive aerial incursion came as China entered the second day of intense live-fire military exercises, code-named "Justice Mission 2025".
The defense ministry also confirmed the presence of 14 Chinese navy ships and 8 additional government vessels in the same timeframe ending at 6:00 am local time (2200 GMT Monday). Of the 130 aircraft sorties, a staggering 90 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's air defense identification zones (ADIZ) in multiple sectors.
These figures represent one of the largest single-day deployments of Chinese warplanes near Taiwan in recent years, signaling Beijing's growing assertiveness and readiness to project overwhelming force. Analysts warn that the drills are not just routine training — they are a clear message aimed at deterring any perceived moves toward formal independence and warning external powers against intervention.
Taiwan's government has placed its forces on high alert, deploying aircraft, ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor and respond to the situation. Authorities have also warned that some Chinese live-fire zones overlap with what Taipei considers its territorial waters, potentially escalating risks even further.
The timing is highly significant — the drills began just days after the United States approved a record-breaking arms package for Taiwan, drawing sharp criticism from Beijing. China views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and has repeatedly stated it will not rule out the use of force to achieve "reunification".
As fighter jets, bombers, warships, and rocket forces continue their operations, the world watches closely. Is this the prelude to something much larger, or a powerful show of force? The Taiwan Strait remains one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints.