#China’s #Record #Number of #Warplanes #Near #Taiwan #Sparks #Tensions

A record number of Chinese warplanes flew close to Taiwan during large-scale military drills on Monday, raising concerns about escalating tensions. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported detecting 153 Chinese aircraft in a 25-hour period, with 111 of them crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait into the island’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ). China’s military exercise, involving jets, drones, and warships, simulated a blockade of Taiwan, which was condemned as an “unreasonable provocation” by Taiwan’s government. These drills are part of an ongoing strategy to apply pressure on Taiwan, with the Chinese Communist Party continuing to view the island as part of its territory. In response, Taiwan deployed its own military assets to monitor the situation. The latest war games coincide with heightened political tension following Taiwan’s National Day speech, where President Lai Ching-te vowed to protect the island’s sovereignty. As China continues these exercises, many fear they