Taiwan reported renewed Chinese military activity on Friday, including a “combat patrol,” urging Beijing to avoid escalating tensions following the recent seizure of a Taiwanese fishing boat. China, asserting Taiwan as its territory, has intensified pressure in recent years, both militarily and politically.
Earlier this week, Chinese officials detained a Taiwanese fishing boat for alleged illegal operations in Chinese waters, which a senior Taiwanese official described as potentially psychological warfare.
Taiwan’s defense ministry noted that beginning before 7 a.m. (2300 GMT) on Friday, it detected 26 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters, conducting a “joint combat readiness patrol” alongside Chinese warships. The Chinese aircraft entered airspace across northern, central, and southern Taiwan, the ministry reported.
Since the beginning of the month, Taiwan has observed approximately 127 Chinese military aircraft near its vicinity.
China’s defense ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Addressing the situation earlier on Friday, Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai advised fishermen to heighten their vigilance and refrain from any activities that might be construed as illegal. He also appealed to China to avoid escalating tensions with excessive measures, warning such actions could unnecessarily provoke confrontation.
China attributes its strained relations with Taiwan to what it perceives as separatist tendencies under President Lai Ching-te. Shortly after Lai assumed office in May, China conducted military exercises and has rebuffed his calls for dialogue. Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims, asserting that Taiwan’s future should be determined solely by its people.