In a significant show of force, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on Sunday that Chinese warplanes and warships conducted a “combat patrol” around the island.
This escalation follows Beijing’s warning of retaliatory measures against a $2 billion U.S. arms package approved last week, designed to bolster Taiwan’s air defenses.
The United States, despite lacking formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, is bound by the Taiwan Relations Act to supply the self-governed island with the necessary means to defend itself. This commitment, while maintaining a policy of strategic ambiguity, has long been a point of contention with Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
The arms package, announced by the Pentagon on Friday, includes the provision of an advanced air defense missile system, similar to those deployed by Ukraine in its defense efforts, marking the first time such technology would reach Taiwanese shores.
Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed that 19 Chinese aircraft, including advanced Su-30 fighter jets, were involved in joint military maneuvers around Taiwan’s airspace in collaboration with Chinese warships. These incursions, reportedly occurring in Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern sectors, prompted Taiwan to mobilize its forces to monitor and respond.
China’s defense ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment. However, China’s foreign ministry issued a strongly worded condemnation late Saturday, urging the U.S. to halt its arms sales to Taiwan and cease “dangerous moves” that, it claims, threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
“China will take resolute countermeasures and all necessary actions to defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” the ministry stated without detailing specific steps.
China’s latest military activity is part of an intensified campaign of aerial and maritime patrols around Taiwan, following a recent full-scale set of war games near the island earlier this month. Over the past five years, Beijing has steadily increased its military presence in the region, as Taiwan continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
In response to the arms package, Taiwan’s government expressed appreciation, reaffirming its commitment to self-defense. “In the face of China’s threats, Taiwan is duty-bound to protect its homeland and will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry stated.
The arms package marks the 17th instance of U.S. military aid to Taiwan under the Biden administration, underscoring the United States’ steady support for the island amid escalating tensions with Beijing.
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