China deploys 59 warplanes near Taiwan in its largest show of force since October, Taipei warns of escalating tensions

TAIPEI, March 18 — Taiwan has detected 59 Chinese military aircraft operating near the island, marking the highest count since a record in October, the defence ministry announced today. The escalation comes just days after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te referred to China as a “foreign hostile force.”

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has threatened military action to assert control. In recent years, Beijing has intensified its deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around the island to reinforce its sovereignty claims, which Taipei firmly rejects. Taiwan also accuses China of engaging in espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation to undermine its security.

In addition to the 59 aircraft, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported detecting nine Chinese warships and two balloons in the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am (2200 GMT). Of these, 54 aircraft were involved in “joint combat” patrols, according to the ministry.

This surge follows China’s large-scale military drills in response to Lai’s National Day speech last October, when a record 153 aircraft were detected.

China’s foreign ministry on Monday defended its latest military maneuvers, calling them a “resolute response” to external support for Taiwan’s independence and a “stern warning” to separatist forces. Beijing also reiterated its criticism of the United States for removing a reference to Taiwan’s status from the State Department’s website.

Although the U.S. does not officially recognize Taiwan, it remains the island’s primary security partner. In February, Washington removed a line from a State Department fact sheet stating, “We do not support Taiwan independence,” prompting condemnation from China.

“The U.S. is deliberately using Taiwan to contain China while condoning and supporting Taiwan independence,” China’s foreign ministry stated.

Last Thursday, President Lai emphasized China’s increasing influence over Taiwan, labeling it a “foreign hostile force” while proposing measures to counteract Beijing’s growing infiltration. Official data indicates a sharp rise in espionage cases involving current and former Taiwanese military personnel targeted by China.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Tuesday accused China of “aggressive military expansion,” warning that its actions threaten regional peace and stability.

“It has become an undeniable and widely recognized troublemaker,” said MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng. — AFP