Increased Chinese Military Activity Near Taiwan Prompts Heightened Defense Measures During Drills

The Ministry of National Defence in Taiwan reported a marked increase in Chinese military activity around the island early Sunday, amidst growing tensions over Beijing's persistent threats to annex the self-governed territory. The ministry detailed the presence of 11 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official Chinese ship near Taiwan until 6 a.m.

The ministry's statement noted that nine of the 11 aircraft sorties crossed the critical median line of the Taiwan Strait and penetrated Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In reaction, Taiwan's armed forces mobilized aircraft, deployed naval vessels, and activated coastal missile systems to observe and safeguard its sovereignty.

This development followed the detection of 34 Chinese aircraft and eight naval vessels near the island the previous day, with 25 aircraft intruding into the ADIZ from various directions. Taiwan's military remains vigilant as it conducts the 10-day Han Kuang exercises—its most comprehensive war games to date—to demonstrate its determination against any potential invasion attempt by China.

On July 12, as part of these exercises, Taiwan deployed U.S.-supplied HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), with two armored trucks carrying these precision-strike weapons seen maneuvering around Taichung city along the central coast. These systems play a crucial role in Taiwan’s defense strategy, providing long-range, mobile firepower capable of deterring or delaying a Chinese amphibious assault.

China maintains its claim over Taiwan as part of its territory and has not eliminated the possibility of using force to capture it. The Chinese military's encirclement operations are perceived by Taipei as part of a broader psychological warfare campaign, intended to deplete the island’s defense resources and morale.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has consistently warned that the threat from China is both long-term and structural. Addressing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) national congress on June 28, Lai accused Beijing of employing "influence warfare" alongside military intimidation as part of its strategy for the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." He reiterated the DPP's dedication to defending Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty in light of escalating pressure.

With a population of 23 million, a vibrant civil society, and an increasingly sophisticated defense arsenal, Taiwan continues to exhibit resilience amid mounting regional instability. Officials assert that such military readiness drills and political unity are crucial for confronting future challenges arising from China’s expanding influence in the western Pacific.