TAIPEI – Taiwan’s defense ministry has reported a sharp increase in Chinese military activity, with 45 aircraft and 14 navy ships detected around the island within 24 hours. However, no live-fire drills were observed in the designated Chinese exercise zone off Taiwan’s southwestern coast.
China had set up a “shooting” drill zone near Kaohsiung and Pingtung, prompting Taiwan to condemn the move as a threat to commercial flights and shipping. Taiwan’s officials noted that while similar military maneuvers have taken place in the South China Sea and near Australia, conducting exercises without prior notice is “extremely rare.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that America would act against any forced change in Taiwan’s status.
China is set to hold its annual parliamentary meeting next week, where it will reveal its defense budget, amid rising tensions.