China-Taiwan Tension Row: About 45 Chinese planes have been found flying in the East Asian country Taiwan. On Wednesday (May 15, 2024), news agency ‘AFP’, quoting the Defense Ministry there, informed that 45 Chinese aircraft have been detected around Taiwan.
“26 aircraft crossed the center line of the Taiwan Strait,” Vaion News reported, quoting a statement from Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. This comment from the ministry came while referring to the line dividing the 180 km (110 mi) waterway separating Taiwan from China. It was further told in the statement that after the Chinese aircraft was detected, the situation was monitored and further action was taken accordingly.
Why is this development important for Taiwan and China?
The most interesting thing is that this development has been seen at a time when the new President Lai Ching-te is about to arrive in Taiwan (on May 20, 2024). These planes were seen there less than a week before he came to power. It is also worth noting in the latest developments that this is the highest number of Chinese aircraft detected near Taiwan in 24 hours in the year 2024.
China considers Lai Ching-te a “dangerous separatist”
Such actions from China are not new. Even a week ago, military planes were sent from China near the border of Taiwan. By the way, Beijing (the capital of China) has long considered Taiwan a part of China. However, like the current President, Lai Ching-te has also in the past rejected China’s claim on Taiwan. China considers Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te a “dangerous separatist”. Tensions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have been high since his election victory in January 2024.