In one day, 43 military aircraft and seven Chinese ships were detected near Taiwan. According to the island’s Ministry of Defense, “37 aircraft” even crossed the “median line.” [demarcação não oficial entre a China e Taiwan, não reconhecida pelos chineses] and entered the air defense identification zone in the southwest and southeast of Taiwan.”
China has increased threats and political and economic pressure on Taipei since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016. Beijing considers the island part of Chinese territory and allows the use of force if Taiwan formally declares independence. Taiwan warns that Beijing’s “military persecution” could “lead to a sharp escalation of tensions and jeopardize regional security.”