Record Number of Chinese Warplanes Fly Near Taiwan During Military Drills.

 China conducted a record number of military flights near Taiwan during large-scale drills on Monday, according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. The exercises involved Chinese fighter jets, drones, warships, and Coast Guard vessels simulating a blockade around the self-governed island, which Taiwan condemned as an “unreasonable provocation.”

Over a 25-hour period from Monday to Tuesday, 153 Chinese aircraft were detected near Taiwan, with 111 of them crossing the Median Line of the Taiwan Strait and entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ). While no Chinese planes entered Taiwan's sovereign airspace, which would mark a significant escalation, the number of warplanes involved surpassed the previous record set in September 2023.

In response, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft, naval vessels, and missile systems to monitor the situation. China said the drills were meant as a warning to Taiwan's independence movements, coinciding with a speech by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te affirming the island's sovereignty. Lai reiterated that Taiwan "is not subordinate" to China and that Beijing "does not have the right to represent Taiwan."

China's military drills, which have increased in frequency, are seen as part of a broader strategy to pressure Taiwan and normalize such maneuvers. The Chinese government continues to view Taiwan as part of its territory, though it has never governed the island. Taiwan, in turn, rejects these territorial claims, with many of its people identifying as distinctly Taiwanese.

The drills, involving China's army, navy, air force, and rocket force, took place around the Taiwan Strait and encircled the island. Taiwan also reported the presence of 14 Chinese warships, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning, which moved to a position east of the island. None of these vessels entered Taiwan's contiguous zone.

Despite China's declaration that the drills were successfully completed, analysts warn the exercises are becoming increasingly dangerous due to their proximity to Taiwan, potentially leaving Taiwan with less response time in future incidents.