PLA Steps Up Military Activity Near Taiwan

As tensions between mainland China and Taiwan continue to rise, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has made a show of strength by sending a large fleet of warplanes and navy vessels towards the self-ruled island.

Over the course of two days, the PLA sent 38 aircraft and 9 naval vessels into and around Taiwan's airspace, starting from 6am on Tuesday until 6am on Wednesday. These warplanes included J-10 and J-16 fighter jets and H-6 bombers. 32 of these planes crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial boundary that has long served as a buffer between the mainland and the island.

The PLA's activity in the region has increased significantly over the last year, with naval vessels and drones sent to circle the waters near Taiwan. This week's manoeuvres saw the H-6 bombers complete an extensive loop to the south of the island, passing by before heading back towards the Chinese coast.

The Chinese military has increased its presence around Taiwan in response to the visits of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the current Speaker Kevin McCarthy. In August last year, the PLA fired missiles over the island in response to Pelosi's visit.

This caused significant disruption to trade lanes in the Taiwan Strait and forced airplanes to reroute their flights. More recently, in April, the PLA conducted large-scale combat readiness drills in the air and waters around Taiwan in response to McCarthy's visit.

Taiwan is preparing to hold its annual Han Guang exercise later this month, a military drill designed to defend against a potential invasion.

It will also be conducting the annual Wan'an exercise, which prepares civilians for natural disasters and practises evacuations in case of an air raid.

The PLA's increased military activity near Taiwan has caused concern for both the island's inhabitants and the wider international community.

With tensions running high and both sides unwilling to back down, the situation is a volatile one that could easily escalate if either side takes an aggressive stance.