China's Record Military Drill Near Taiwan: A Closer Look

On Monday, China set a new record with its military exercises near Taiwan. Over 150 Chinese warplanes, including fighter jets and drones, were spotted around Taiwan. This isn't just a show of force; it's a way for China to keep the pressure on Taiwan and test its military responses. The Chinese planes buzzed right up to an imaginary line in the Taiwan Strait, called the Median Line. Until recently, China respected this line even though they don't recognize it officially. This time, 111 warplanes crossed it, flying into Taiwan's air defense zone. Taiwan's military was ready. They kept a close eye on the Chinese activity with their own aircraft, navy vessels, and missile systems. This wasn't the first time China has done this. In fact, they've been stepping up these drills in recent years. China says these exercises are a warning against Taiwan's independence movements. It comes just days after Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, gave a speech saying Taiwan is not under China and Beijing can't speak for them. Taiwan sees itself as separate from China, and this isn't the first time China has flexed its muscles. They've done it before when they were upset with Taiwan. The Chinese military involves the army, navy, air force, and rocket force in these drills. They happen in the Taiwan Strait and all around Taiwan. This time, they even had their aircraft carrier Liaoning in the area. Taiwan's Defense Ministry pointed out that no Chinese warships entered their contiguous zone, which is 24 nautical miles from their shoreline. But analysts say these exercises are getting closer and closer, leaving less time to respond. The Chinese military started the drills at 5 a. m. and said they were done by 6 p. m. But Taiwan's military spotted Chinese jets still flying around after that.