Amidst rising tensions between China and Taiwan, the island nation detected a record number of 11 Chinese balloons near its territory in a single day, according to the defence ministry’s report on Friday. Along with the balloons, five Chinese aircraft and six warships were also spotted within a 24-hour period, marking the highest number of balloon sightings since the ministry began tracking them in December 2023.
The ministry stated that most of the balloons found in the Taiwan Strait are used for meteorological sounding purposes, but the large-scale and intensive deployment of these balloons poses a potential threat to flight safety. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently exerted pressure on the island, including increased military presence in the region.
The recent surge in Chinese military activities near Taiwan comes after the island reported 45 Chinese aircraft in its vicinity in a single day, marking the highest number of such sightings this year. Additionally, Taiwan condemned China for conducting “live-fire” drills off its southern coast, to which Beijing responded by dismissing it as routine training.
The United States, Taiwan’s main ally and arms supplier, has also voiced concerns over China’s military exercises near Taiwan. The top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific region warned that China’s frequent exercises could potentially mask a real attack on Taiwan. Despite the US’s legal obligation to provide arms to Taiwan, there are uncertainties regarding whether the US would deploy its military to defend the island in case of a Chinese aggression.
Taiwan’s National Security Council chief, Joseph Wu, expressed confidence in the strong support from the United States, emphasizing the country’s commitment to providing defence equipment, training, and boosting Taiwan’s international presence. He reassured that the US support for Taiwan will remain robust, enabling the island to defend itself effectively in the face of increasing Chinese threats.
The escalating tensions between China and Taiwan not only pose a security challenge in the region but also raise concerns about the potential for a conflict involving the United States. As both sides continue to engage in military maneuvers and rhetoric, the situation remains volatile, with the risk of a potential confrontation looming large.
