WorthyNews: China Threatens Taiwan With More Jets And Ships (Worthy News Focus)

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By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

TAIPEI (Worthy News) – Taiwan’s defense ministry said Thursday that 20 Chinese fighter jets and eight warships were seen over the past 24 hours around the democratically-ruled island, the highest number in days.

The presence of the Chinese military in the area highlighted fears about an expected invasion, despite officials saying last week that U.S. troops are “permanently stationed” in Taiwan.

In remarks seen by Worthy News, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said that the “20 [People’s Liberation Army] (PLA) aircraft and 8 [People’s Liberation Army Navy] PLAN vessels” operated around Taiwan “since Wednesday 6 a.m. up until 6 a.m. [local time] today.”

Of these, 14 fighter jets crossed the “median line of the Taiwan Strait,” an unofficial 90 miles (145 kilometers) wide boundary and buffer zone between the island and China, the Ministry confirmed.

Taiwan’s military “monitored the situation and employed [combat air patrol] CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities,” it added in a statement.

China has made clear it views Taiwan as part of its territory, and Beijing hasn’t ruled out annexing the territory by force or necessary.

The involvement of 8 Chinese warships in the latest stand-off raised concerns in Taiwan and the United States, which regards the island as part of its strategic interests.

“SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES”

China’s Navy has “significant advantages” over its U.S. rival, including a more extensive fleet and greater shipbuilding capacity, as Beijing seeks to project its power across the oceans, the United States Navy warned last year.

While the U.S. has about 470 ships in active service and the reserve fleet, China has the largest navy per number of boats in the world with over 780 ships, official data shows.

Thursday’s announcement follows days of smaller but significant Chinese military operations around Taiwan, Worthy News monitored.

Last week saw the largest number of Chinese warplanes detected around Taiwan involving 36 Chinese military aircraft in 24 hours till 06:00 am local time on Friday, March 22, Taiwanese defense officials said.

As tensions rose, Taiwan tested its air defenses on Tuesday in early morning drills using surface-to-air missiles and air, land, and naval forces.

Taipei said it would continue to intensify training, backed by the U.S., due to frequent Chinese military activities nearby.

“In the face of Chinese aircraft and ships frequently encroaching into Taiwan’s surrounding sea and air space, the Air Force will continue to increase its training intensity to deal with potential threats,” the Air Force added.

MILITARY MODERNIZATION

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has overseen a military modernization program, including developing new Taiwanese-made equipment.

Much of the focus has been on the navy, which is massively outgunned and outnumbered by China’s fleet.

Her policy was likely to continue after her second presidential term expires on May 20 when she is succeeded by her vice president, Lai Ching-te, who recently won the presidential elections.

Taiwanese and American officials have also said this month that U.S. forces are being stationed permanently on the island, a move that was likely to upset Beijing.

Asked if U.S. Army Green Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, were in Taiwan permanently, Taiwanese defense chief Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters it was “a fixed thing.”

The minister said, “No matter the situation, there may be blind spots or shortcomings. So we need to communicate with our allies—whether it is a team, a group, or a country.” In comments seen by Worthy News, Chiu added, “We can learn from each other to see what strengths we have. This is a fixed thing.”

In 2021, President Tsai revealed U.S. instructors were conducting “occasional” training with Taiwanese armed service members. Chiu’s statement was seen as the first confirmation of the long-term nature of the activities.

He previously warned that China may be able to invade Taiwan as early as next year, though its military activities suggested it could be earlier.

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