Taiwan reports a big rise in Chinese military activity after the UK’s naval transit
June 22, 2018— The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan says that there has been a big rise in Chinese military action around the island. Over 70 Chinese aircraft and several naval ships have been visible in the past 24 hours. This activity comes just a few days after the British Royal Navy security ship HMS Spey went through the Taiwan Strait, which Beijing saw as wrong.
The Taiwanese defense ministry says that between Thursday night and Friday morning, 50 planes and six navy ships were seen flying close to Taiwan. Later on Friday, observers saw 24 more planes, including fighter jets and drones. Out of these, 15 planes crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which had been an unofficial border that had been observed, and took part in drills with Chinese warships.
The ministry said in a statement that it had been closely watching the situation and had put in place its monitoring and defenses.
Tensions are rising over sovereignty.
China continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, viewing it as a region that has separated, although Taiwan operates as an independent democracy. The Chinese government has not ruled out using force to bring the two sides back together, and over the past year, it has put more armed pressure on the island.
The military of Taiwan said that China’s most recent moves are part of a larger strategy of “grey-zone” tactics, which are operations meant to wear down Taiwan’s defense forces without starting a direct war.
The move by HMS Spey on June 18 was also mentioned by Taiwan’s foreign minister, who said it was a normal and legal transit through international waters. The Royal Navy of Great Britain confirmed the trip and stressed that it was “in full accordance with international law.”
China’s Eastern Theater Command responded strongly and said that the UK’s action was meant to cause trouble. A spokesperson said, “This is public hype and an attempt to cause trouble in the region.” They also said that Chinese troops “followed and monitored” the British ship the whole way.
The presence of people from other countries in the Strait raises concerns.
There is a 180 km (112 mi) waterway called the Taiwan Strait that separates Taiwan from mainland China. The US, UK, and other Western countries see it as international seas that anyone can use.
The UK’s recent search comes after similar trips by US and Canadian warships earlier this year. A Canadian navy ship went through the strait in February, just a few days after U.S. naval forces did the same.
In 2021, HMS Richmond, part of the UK’s carrier strike group, passed through the Taiwan Strait on its way from Japan to Vietnam. This was the last British transit.
A Pattern of Setting Off Alarms
The rise in Chinese military action on Friday was similar to other times when everyone was very alert. In April, Beijing held live-fire drills near Taiwan. The drills revealed 76 planes and 15 ships. On October 15, 2024, following President William Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech, 153 Chinese military planes flew in the busiest day to date. Many perceived their presence as a display of power.
Despite this, Taiwan’s government consistently asserts its commitment to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding its sovereignty. The most recent events show how unstable the area still is and how Western friends are becoming more involved in protecting Taiwan’s safety and freedom of navigation.