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Taiwan Tracks Chinese Military Sorties as European MPs Urge Defence Boost

Taiwan's defence ministry detected four Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels operating near its territory, with all aircraft crossing the median line. This comes as a European parliamentary delegation concluded a visit, urging Taiwan to significantly increase its defence spending. Ukrainian lawmaker Serhii Soboliev warned Taiwan by drawing parallels between Russia's actions in Ukraine and China's rhetoric. The delegation emphasized self-reliance and alertness to deter any potential invasion.

Key Points: Taiwan Detects Chinese Aircraft, Vessels; EU MPs Urge Defence

  • 4 Chinese aircraft crossed median line
  • 8 naval vessels detected near Taiwan
  • European MPs urge defence spending hike
  • Warning drawn from Ukraine war
  • Call to halt tech transfers to Russia
2 min read

Taiwan detects 4 Chinese sorties, 8 vessels near its territory

Taiwan reports Chinese military incursions as European lawmakers, citing Ukraine, urge increased defence spending to deter potential invasion.

"All those who say they want to protect you actually want to conquer you - Serhii Soboliev"

Taipei, February 10

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected the presence of four sorties of Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am on Tuesday.

All four sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "4 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Today. 4 out of 4 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier on Monday, Taiwan detected seven Chinese naval vessels operating around itself.

In a post on X, the MND said, "7 PLAN vessel operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe."

Taiwan should prioritise reinforcing its own national defence to deter any possible invasion by China as cross-strait tensions continue to escalate, several European lawmakers said on Friday, according to a report by the Taipei Times.

At the conclusion of a six-day visit to Taiwan by an eight-member European parliamentary delegation, the lawmakers called on Taipei to remain alert and increase its defence spending. "All those who say they want to protect you actually want to conquer you," Ukrainian lawmaker Serhii Soboliev said when asked what lessons Taiwan could learn from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Soboliev described Kremlin as a "new fascist Nazi regime" that justified its aggression by claiming to defend "so-called Russian-speaking populations," mirroring how Nazi Germany once invoked the protection of ethnic Germans to legitimise its expansion, the Taipei Times reported.

"And what is the reality of this 'protection'? Destroyed citizens," he said. Soboliev urged Taiwan to stop third parties from transferring sensitive technologies to Russia and underlined the urgency of increasing defence spending. "Before the war, we even tried to reduce our defence budget to below 5 per cent. Now we spend more than 50 per cent," he was cited as saying in the Taipei Times report.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The comparison to Ukraine is chilling. No country should live under the threat of invasion. Taiwan must strengthen its defence, but the world must also ensure diplomacy is the first and last option. Peace in the Taiwan Strait is crucial for global trade, including ours.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian, our primary concern is our own borders with China. These actions show their pattern of assertiveness. We need to watch this closely and ensure our own preparedness. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
The Ukrainian lawmaker's words are powerful. "All those who say they want to protect you actually want to conquer you." It's a lesson for many nations facing powerful neighbours. Hope dialogue can prevent any tragedy.
V
Vikram M
While respecting the One-China policy, constant military pressure is not the solution. It only pushes Taiwan closer to the West. China should engage in confidence-building measures. The region doesn't need another flashpoint.
K
Karthik V
The defence spending point is crucial. Ukraine learned the hard way. Taiwan must invest heavily in asymmetric capabilities. It's a sobering reality check for all democracies in the neighbourhood of assertive powers.

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