While Taiwan reels from the aftermath of a deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake, new geopolitical tensions escalate as the island reports a surge in Chinese military activity in its vicinity. Taiwan’s defense ministry revealed that within a 24-hour period, a staggering 30 Chinese military aircraft were detected near the island, marking one of the highest daily counts this year.

Asserting its sovereignty amidst persistent Chinese claims, Taiwan’s armed forces closely monitored the situation, with 20 of the aircraft breaching the island’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The defense ministry deployed various assets, including patrol aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems, to respond to the detected activities.

This surge in military incursions follows a pattern of what experts term as “grey zone” actions—subtle maneuvers that fall short of outright acts of war, AFP reported.

Such actions have intensified since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, who holds firm to Taiwan’s de facto independence—a stance that Beijing vehemently opposes.

Taiwan’s political landscape is set for further shifts as Vice President Lai Ching-te, a figure disliked by Beijing, emerged victorious in the recent presidential election held on January 13.

Lai, alongside Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is slated to assume office on May 20.

The heightened tensions between Taiwan and China have drawn international attention, with the issue discussed during a call between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Biden emphasized the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, especially in light of the upcoming Lai inauguration. In response, Xi reiterated China’s stance, declaring Taiwan as an “uncrossable red line.”

Amidst these geopolitical maneuvers, the United States remains a key ally of Taiwan, albeit recognizing Beijing as China’s legitimate government since 1979.

Nevertheless, the US Congress passed legislation in the same year, obligating the provision of defensive weapons to Taiwan and granting Taiwanese representatives a quasi-diplomatic status in the US.

China’s diplomatic pressure on Taiwan has intensified in recent years, with efforts aimed at isolating Taipei on the global stage.

The loss of recognition from the tiny South Pacific nation of Nauru in January further diminished Taiwan’s international standing, leaving only a handful of states, including the Vatican, that fully recognize its sovereignty.