70 Chinese Military Aircraft SWARM Taiwan!

Taiwan’s defense ministry has reported that over 70 Chinese military aircraft encircled the island just days after a British naval vessel sailed through the disputed Taiwan Strait, marking a significant escalation in Beijing’s show of force.

At a Glance

• Taiwan detected more than 70 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels around the island following a British warship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait.
• The passage of the HMS Spey on June 18 was the first time a British naval vessel had sailed through the sensitive waterway since 2021.
• In response to the incursion, which included 61 aircraft crossing the unofficial median line, Taiwan scrambled fighter jets and activated missile defense systems.
• China condemned the UK’s action as “public hyping” intended to “cause trouble” in the region.
• The incident is part of a pattern of escalating military pressure from China against Taiwan.

An Escalating Military Presence

Taiwan’s defense ministry announced on Friday, June 20, that it had detected more than 70 Chinese military aircraft around the island within 24 hours. This substantial military activity followed the transit of the British Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey through the Taiwan Strait two days earlier. As reported by Al Jazeera, Taiwan also identified six Chinese naval vessels operating in the surrounding waters, representing one of the largest shows of force in recent months.

According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, 61 Chinese aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. This unofficial buffer zone was mainly respected for decades until China regularly crossed it. In response, Taiwan scrambled fighter jets, deployed ships, and activated its missile defense systems.

Freedom of Navigation vs. Chinese Territorial Claims

The HMS Spey’s passage marked the first British naval transit through the sensitive waterway since 2021. Britain’s de facto embassy in Taipei defended the operation, stating that the Royal Navy operates “in full compliance with international law.” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the patrol, saying it “once again reaffirmed the Strait’s status as international waters,” according to Euronews.

Beijing, however, took a markedly different stance, strongly condemning the British naval transit as a deliberate attempt to “cause trouble.” The Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army characterized the sailing as “public hyping” and confirmed its forces monitored the vessel throughout its journey.

A Pattern of Escalation

The latest incursion is part of China’s escalating military pressure. As detailed by The Hindu, Taiwan has consistently reported large numbers of Chinese aircraft in recent months, with the operations designed to intimidate Taiwan and exhaust its military resources. In addition to military displays, Taiwan has accused China of employing other pressure tactics, including espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.