A high-ranking Taiwanese official has expressed concerns about escalating tensions with China following the crossing of fighter jets over the median line, underscoring Taiwan’s determination to defend itself.
Chinese fighter jets crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, while a senior Taiwanese official criticized the spread of “annoying disinformation” regarding the island’s safety amid mounting tensions with Beijing.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on Tuesday morning that eight Chinese fighters had crossed the median line, accompanied by four Chinese warships on a “joint combat readiness patrol.”
Despite strong objections from Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, Chinese military aircraft have been conducting near-daily missions in the vicinity for the past three years.
Since last August, regular crossings of the median line, which was previously regarded as an unofficial boundary, have occurred.
The defense ministry stated that it is the responsibility of all parties to maintain security and stability, emphasizing that any “provocative behavior” is not in the region’s interest.
Amid China’s frequent military activities, Taiwan has not displayed public alarm, and daily life has continued as usual.
Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister, Roy Lee, explained that one of the reasons the government invites foreign lawmakers, officials, and academics to visit is to provide them with an accurate understanding of the situation on the ground.
He noted, “Many colleagues and friends outside Taiwan are subject to this annoying disinformation campaign. They have misconceptions and misunderstandings about the situation in Taiwan. We are confident that when they visit, they will see that Taiwan is very calm. We are not provoking or engaging in any dangerous actions. Instead, we are demonstrating a high level of resilience against China’s intimidation and threats.”
During Lee’s statement, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by U.S. Representative Kevin Hern, who heads the Republican Study Committee (RSC). This visit is part of a series of such visits to Taipei.
Hern affirmed the RSC’s commitment to supporting Taiwan as an independent and sovereign nation, which has been one of its foundational principles. Taiwan’s government strongly opposes China’s sovereignty claims and has vowed to defend itself in the event of an attack.
Source: With Agencies