Taiwan expressed heightened vigilance on Thursday following increased Chinese military maneuvers near the island, coinciding with joint exercises involving China’s Shandong aircraft carrier in the Pacific. Taiwan’s defence ministry reported detecting 66 Chinese military aircraft in the vicinity, with significant movements observed to the south and southeast.
Amid these developments, Taiwan released images of a Chinese J-16 fighter and a nuclear-capable H-6 bomber, underscoring its monitoring capabilities amidst regional tensions. President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defenses in response to what he described as escalating threats from Beijing, emphasizing the need to counter China’s “grey zone” tactics.
Meanwhile, the NATO summit in Washington highlighted concerns over China’s support for Russia in Ukraine and its broader implications for global security. Taiwan’s foreign ministry welcomed NATO’s increased focus on Indo-Pacific stability, amid ongoing geopolitical dynamics involving not only Taiwan and China, but also Japan, Russia, and other regional stakeholders.
The situation remains fluid as regional powers navigate complex military dynamics, underscoring the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific amidst shifting alliances and security challenges.
