Taiwan’s defence ministry responded by deploying its own forces and putting its islands on high alert…reports Asian Lite News
Recently, Taiwan reported an unprecedented sighting of 153 Chinese military aircraft flying over its airspace in just one day, marking the highest number in a single event.
The aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, were part of large-scale drills, accompanied by warships and coast guard boats encircling the self-governed island.
Taiwan’s defence ministry responded by deploying its own forces and putting its islands on high alert. The Taiwanese government condemned China’s actions as “irrational and provocative,” while the U.S. labelled them as “unwarranted.”
In addition to military intimidation, China has expanded its pressure tactics through cyberattacks and media influence. According to a Wall Street Journal report, more than 90,000 cyberattack attempts were detected in Taiwan in August, targeting critical infrastructure.
This wave of attacks was the largest since the spike during former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to Taiwan two years ago.
Chinese efforts to sway public opinion have also extended to recruiting Taiwanese celebrities. These well-known figures are being encouraged to express pro-unification sentiments and share messages that align with Beijing’s “One China” policy.
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Chief Tsai Ming-yen confirmed that celebrities from the arts, entertainment, and political sectors were being used in this media campaign.
Furthermore, China’s disinformation tactics aim to undermine Taiwan’s image and U.S. support for the island. A false claim circulating online during the military drills accused a Taiwanese naval captain of being intoxicated the night before, which was later debunked by Taiwan’s Justice Ministry.
These methods highlight China’s multifaceted approach to pressuring Taiwan beyond traditional military threats.
Meanwhile yesterday, Ministry of National Defence of Taiwan released a statement announcing that the Chinese military’s aircraft and naval vessels were found to be operating in Taiwan’s territory early in the morning on October 17.
In a post on the social media platform, X, the Ministry of National Defence attached maps and a press statement highlighting the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) activities in the waters and airspace of Taiwan.
“20 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s central and south-western air defense identification zone (ADIZ)”
In response to the Chinese activities, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence announced, ” Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. “
The activities by Chinese vessels have seen a rise along Taiwan after PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command had announced a joint military exercise in the surrounding waters and airspace near Taiwan.
During the military exercises around Taiwan and its outlying islands, China deployed a record 125 aircraft, including its aircraft carrier Liaoning and various ships.
Taiwan has been seeing a record increased interference of Chinese vessels in its areas since the beginning of October, with the incursions becoming more frequent after October 10, which is celebrated as the National Day of Taiwan.
Taiwanese armed forces had registered a strong protest condemning the PLA’s “irrational and provocative actions”.
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