TAIWAN STRAIT

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Context

An incident involving military activity between Taiwan and China in the Taiwan Strait.

Details

• Taiwan detected 11 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval ships breaching the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait.
• The breach occurred between 6 a.m. on Monday (Aug. 28) and 6 a.m. on Tuesday (Aug. 29).
• One Harbin BZK-005 drone breached the median line in Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the northeastern sector.
• The drone circled Taiwan and crossed the median line again in the southwest corner of the ADIZ, heading back towards China.
• Two Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft also entered the area's southwest corner.

Taiwan's Response

• Taiwan scrambled its aircraft, naval ships, and land-based missiles to track Chinese military activity.
• The response was aimed at monitoring and countering the PLA (People's Liberation Army) activity near Taiwan.

Increased Chinese Military Activity

• Beijing had dispatched 362 military planes and 194 naval ships on operations near Taiwan earlier in the month.
• In March alone, China sent 325 military aircraft and 101 naval vessels around Taiwan.
• China has been increasingly using grey zone tactics, involving routine aircraft entry into Taiwan's ADIZ.

Grey Zone Tactics

• Grey zone tactics involve efforts to achieve security objectives without resorting to direct and substantial use of force.
• These tactics fall beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance, seeking to achieve objectives through unconventional means.

Background

• China has been engaging in heightened military activity near Taiwan since September 2020.
• Taiwan responds to breaches of its airspace and ADIZ with defensive measures and tracking.

About Taiwan Strait

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• The Taiwan Strait is a narrow body of water located between the island of Taiwan and the southeastern coast of China.
• It has immense geopolitical significance due to its role in shaping the relationships and tensions between Taiwan, China, and the broader international community.

Geographical Location and Dimensions

• The Taiwan Strait stretches approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) in width at its widest point and narrows down to about 130 kilometers (81 miles) at its narrowest point.
• It separates the island of Taiwan from the Chinese mainland's Fujian Province.

Historical Context

• The strait's history dates back centuries and has been a vital maritime route for trade, cultural exchanges, and military activities.
• Throughout history, control over the Taiwan Strait has been a point of contention between different dynasties and empires.

Modern Geopolitical Tensions

• The Taiwan Strait is a focal point of tension between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC, commonly referred to as Taiwan).
• The PRC claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and seeks reunification under the "One China" policy.
• The ROC maintains its own government, military, and economy, considering itself a sovereign state.

International Implications

• The Taiwan Strait has garnered global attention due to its potential to trigger a significant conflict with far-reaching consequences.
• The United States, in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, provides defensive weaponry and support to Taiwan, signaling its commitment to the island's security.

Cross-Strait Relations

• Cross-Strait relations refer to interactions between the PRC and ROC.
• Economic and cultural exchanges have increased over the years, but political tensions persist.

Peaceful Resolution Efforts

• International organizations and countries advocate for peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue.
• Diplomatic efforts aim to prevent conflicts and encourage dialogue between the parties involved.

Impact on Regional Stability

• The stability of the Taiwan Strait has direct implications for regional stability in East Asia.
• Neighboring countries closely monitor the situation and adapt their policies accordingly.

Economic Significance

• The Taiwan Strait facilitates maritime trade routes for both China and Taiwan, contributing to their economies.
• Ports along the strait are vital hubs for shipping and commerce.

Global Trade and Shipping Routes

• The Taiwan Strait is part of crucial international shipping routes that connect the Pacific Ocean to the South China Sea.

Tourism and Cultural Exchanges

• Both sides of the strait promote tourism and cultural exchanges, allowing people to connect and learn about each other's societies.

Environmental Concerns

• Environmental challenges, such as pollution and maritime accidents, can affect the strait due to heavy shipping and naval activities.

https://theprint.in/world/taiwan-retaliates-as-chinese-warplanes-cross-straits-median-line/1737443/