According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Chinese Military National Defence (MND), over the past 24 hours until 6 am (local time) on Thursday, 19 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected around Taiwan. Among the 19 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 12 breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait. In response to this provocative action, Taiwan swiftly mobilized its aircraft and naval ships, deploying air defense missile systems to closely monitor the movements of the People’s Liberation Army, as reported by Taiwan News.
Chinese Military
In an official statement released by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence, it was revealed that “19 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC 8) today. 12 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.”
Throughout February, Taiwan has recorded 253 instances of Chinese military aircraft and 150 naval ship detections, marking a consistent pattern of heightened military presence in the region. This increased frequency aligns with China’s intensified use of gray zone tactics since September 2020, employing strategies beyond traditional deterrence and assurance, aiming to achieve security objectives without resorting to direct and significant force.
On February 14, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the US nominee for US Indo-Pacific Command, issued a warning that China could soon possess the capability to use military exercises as a cover for an invasion of Taiwan. Speaking at a conference organized by the Defence Innovation Unit in Silicon Valley, Admiral Paparo emphasized the growing threat posed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and discussed ways in which the US could leverage emerging commercial technologies to enhance its defenses.
Despite economic and demographic challenges in China, along with corruption scandals within the PLA, Admiral Paparo noted that Beijing’s leadership remains undeterred in its ambitions, encompassing the world, the West Pacific, the South China Sea, and particularly Taiwan. He highlighted the PLA’s significant advancements over the past three years, describing “step-level changes” in force levels and joint capabilities.
Admiral Paparo expressed concerns about the erosion of strategic operational and tactical warning, emphasizing the challenge this poses to the ability of the US and its allies to detect signs of a potential Chinese attack. He underscored the importance of proper positioning and readiness to defend Taiwan, stating that the diminishing warning capabilities could hinder the US military’s ability to support allies and partners in the event of a forceful move by China.
