1 month ago
10
Disputed self-governed territory chased away aircraft and naval ships that circled the island for 24 hours
16:03, Thu, Jun 5, 2025 | UPDATED: 16:17, Thu, Jun 5, 2025
More than 30 Chinese military jets and ships have skirted around Taiwan's borders this month. (Image: Getty)
US President Donald Trump has held talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping after dozens of People's Liberation Army aircraft and naval vessels were seen circling the disputed island of Taiwan.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense confirmed it had tracked 24 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval ships near its shores. Although self-governed, China has long-claimed the territory as its own and has ramped up its military activity in the region in recent months despte fears it could trigger Word War III.
Eighteen of the 24 jets crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, an imaginary line running down the middle of the steretch of water seperating the island from the Asian continent, and often considered an unofficial demarcation between Taiwan and China.
Taiwan has tracked 35 Chinese military aircraft and 39 ships so far this month alone.
It follows US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, 266 times smaller than China, "could be imminent" last week.
Taiwan has stepped up military drills after increased pressure from China. (Image: Getty)
The US, China and other Indo-Pacific nations have ramped up military presence in the region as Beijing tests sovereign boundaries in both sea and air.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping held talks over the phone, reports China's state-run news agency Xinhua, though it isn't known if the recent military buildup was mentioned.
The two nations' relationship has frayed in recent months due to the introduction of Trump's tariff policy which levelled a 145% blanket tariff on most Chinese goods.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
China retaliated with its own 125% tariff on US goods before, Trump lowered the US tariffs on China to 30% and China's retaliatory tariffs dropped to 10%.
In response to the dozens of Chinese aircraft and navy ships encroaching on Taiwanese borders, the nation dispatched its own jets and naval vessels as well as missile systems.
China has persisted with its 'grey zone' tactics, described as efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempt to achieve security objectives without force, since late 2020.
English (US) · 