Taiwan reported heightened activities involving 22 Chinese military aircraft near the island over the weekend, noting the crossing of the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait by 12 aircraft on Saturday, as reported by Reuters.

This development followed the conclusion of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the United States remains a significant supporter and arms supplier to Taiwan.

Blinken emphasised the “critical importance” of maintaining peace and stability across the strait during his discussions in China.

The government of Taiwan, governed democratically, has been facing escalating military pressure from China, which asserts its sovereignty over the island.

However, Taiwan’s government rejects these claims.

According to Taiwan’s defence ministry, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, were detected, with 12 crossing the median line toward Taiwan’s north and centre.

Historically, the median line served as an unofficial boundary, preventing military incursions from either side. However, China’s air force now routinely sends aircraft over it, asserting its disregard for the line’s existence.

Taiwan’s defence ministry indicated that the Chinese aircraft were engaged in “joint combat readiness patrols” with Chinese warships, while Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded “appropriately,” though specific actions were not disclosed.

The Chinese defence ministry did not respond to inquiries outside of office hours on Saturday. Taiwan’s armed forces, although well-equipped and trained, are considerably smaller in comparison to China’s military, particularly its naval and air forces, which frequently react to Chinese missions.

China regards Taiwan as a paramount issue in its relations with the United States, repeatedly urging Washington to halt arms sales to Taiwan.

Taiwan’s President-elect, Lai Ching-te, is scheduled to assume office on May 20 following his victory in January’s election.

Beijing views Lai as a perilous separatist and has rejected his repeated appeals for dialogue.

Lai asserted on Thursday that China should possess the confidence to engage with Taiwan’s legally elected government.

Echoing outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai maintains that only the people of Taiwan have the authority to determine their future.

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