China has sent dozens of warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, towards Taiwan in a show of force, according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. This comes just days before Taiwan's planned military exercises aimed at defending itself against a possible invasion. The Chinese People's Liberation Army deployed 37 aircraft and seven navy vessels around Taiwan between Friday and Saturday, with some crossing the unofficial boundary of the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan and China have been politically divided since 1949, following a civil war that resulted in the Communist Party ruling the mainland. While Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China, Beijing insists on its reunification with the mainland. In recent years, China has increased the number of military planes sent towards Taiwan as a response to political activities on the island that it disapproves of.
This is not the first time China has conducted military drills in response to events in Taiwan. In August, it held large-scale drills after former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, firing missiles over the island and disrupting trade lanes in the Taiwan Strait. In April, the PLA also conducted combat readiness drills in response to Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen meeting with current US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
The situation between China and Taiwan remains tense, with both sides maintaining their positions on reunification versus independence. The military exercises planned by Taiwan are seen as a proactive measure to enhance its defense capabilities. It is unclear how China's latest show of force will impact the region's stability and the relationship between the two entities.
As tensions persist, it is crucial for both China and Taiwan to engage in open dialogue and find peaceful resolutions to their differences. The international community also plays a significant role in maintaining stability in the region and ensuring that any disputes are resolved through peaceful means.