Around Taiwan, two Chinese military planes and seven Chinese navy vessels were seen

Taiwan: Up until six in the morning (local time) on Monday, two Chinese military planes and seven navy ships were seen operating in the Taiwan area, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND). The Taiwan Strait median line was not crossed by either of the two PLA planes.

Taiwan MND posted the information and map on X, writing: “Up to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today, two PLA planes and seven PLAN boats were identified operating near Taiwan. #ROCArmedForces has kept an eye on the issue and taken appropriate action.

Taiwan discovered six Chinese navy boats and eleven Chinese military aircraft operating close to its territory on Sunday.

Up to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today, 11 PLA planes and 6 PLAN ships were seen flying over Taiwan. Eight of the planes entered the southwestern and southeastern ADIZ of Taiwan after crossing the median line. In a post on X, MND said, “We have kept an eye on the issue and reacted appropriately.

As Beijing continues to establish its claims over the island, these recurring patterns of China’s more aggressive maneuvers surrounding Taiwan have sparked worries about regional stability.

China’s behavior against Taiwan has also been criticized by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who recently said that “China is bullying Taiwan and pursuing access to critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple societies.”

“We must be realistic about China’s aspirations,” he said. China is rapidly expanding its military, including its nuclear arsenal, without any restrictions or transparency. By 2030, China is predicted to acquire more than 1,000 nuclear weapons, up from 200 in 2020. Its spending on space launches is soaring. China is threatening to destroy our society by pressuring Taiwan and gaining access to our vital infrastructure.

According to Radio Free Asia, the United States sent 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks to Taiwan, the first such shipment to the island in 23 years.

This consignment is a component of a bigger purchase of 122 tanks that is anticipated to be placed over the next two years, according to Radio Free Asia. Despite being one of the most sophisticated main battle tanks in the world, several experts have questioned whether the M1A2T is appropriate for Taiwan’s rugged landscape and crowded cities. Nonetheless, given the continued hostility with China, the tanks are seen as a significant improvement to Taiwan’s defense capability.

General Dynamics’ M1A2T Abrams is an upgraded version of the M1 Abrams that can penetrate armor up to 850 mm thick thanks to its 120 mm smoothbore cannon. It is a significant asset to Taiwan’s military because of its speed, improved armor, and devastating weaponry.

The long-running and intricate geopolitical dispute between China and Taiwan is centered on Taiwan’s sovereignty. China insists on the “One China” policy, which maintains that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital, and views Taiwan as a renegade province. Taiwan, meanwhile, maintains its independence with the backing of a sizable section of its populace.

According to Taiwan News, Taiwan has so far in December spotted 220 Chinese ships and 331 Chinese military aircraft. China has increased the number of military planes and navy ships around Taiwan since September 2020, further upping its use of gray zone techniques.