Taiwan tracks 30 Chinese warplanes within 24 hours, prompting regional concerns

Thirty Chinese military aircraft were detected around Taiwan within 24 hours, the island nation reported on Wednesday (April 3).

This was one of the highest daily counts of the aircraft this year, according to a report by AFP.
China considers Taiwan its own territory and has never ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.

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Twenty of the detected aircraft crossed into the island's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan's defence ministry. It further added, “Taiwan's armed forces kept an eye on the situation and employed (patrol) aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.”

Notably, last month, Taiwan detected 36 Chinese warplanes around the island over a 24-hour period, the highest daily count this year.

These actions have escalated since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who considers Taiwan already independent– a stance that crosses a red line for Beijing.

China deploys warplanes and naval vessels around Taiwan on a near-daily basis, and balloon flights over the island have also increased.

Taiwan's current Vice President, Lai Ching-te – who is disliked by Beijing – won the January 13 presidential election. Lai and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will take office on May 20.

Tensions between Taiwan and China continue to raise concerns in the region, as Beijing maintains its stance on reclaiming the self-governing island.

(With inputs from agencies)