Tensions in the Indo-Pacific region have flared once again as China sent 74 military aircraft toward Taiwan between Thursday evening and Friday morning, Rks News reports.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense, 61 of the aircraft crossed the “median line” in the Taiwan Strait — a move considered both provocative and unusually large in scale. The aircraft were deployed in two separate waves and were accompanied by six Chinese warships.
This Chinese air operation came shortly after the British patrol vessel HMS Spey passed through the Taiwan Strait. The transit was confirmed and welcomed by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a demonstration of freedom of navigation in international waters. The United Kingdom emphasized that the passage was conducted in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Chinese authorities reacted strongly to the British ship’s movement, labeling it a provocation that “undermines peace and stability” in the region, and confirmed their military closely monitored the operation.
It remains unclear whether China’s decision to dispatch such a large number of aircraft was a direct response to the British vessel’s passage. However, the developments point to a potential escalation in the Taiwan Strait.
