Taiwan Reports Record Chinese Aircraft Activity in 2025

Thursday 27 February 2025 - 11:05

The Chinese military presence around Taiwan has intensified, reaching a new peak in 2025. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that it had detected 45 Chinese aircraft near the island within a 24-hour period, the highest number recorded since the beginning of the year. These aircraft were spotted near Taiwanese airspace until 6 a.m. local time on Thursday (11 p.m. Wednesday in Switzerland), according to an official statement.

A day earlier, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense had reported that Beijing had conducted unannounced live-fire drills approximately 74 kilometers south of the island. In response, Taiwan strongly condemned China’s actions, describing them as a blatant violation of international norms. The island mobilized its air, land, and naval forces to counter the perceived threat.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the military exercises, stating that the drills were part of routine combat training. Over the years, Beijing has increasingly deployed fighter jets and warships around Taiwan, maintaining its stance that the island is an integral part of its territory. The Chinese government has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over Taiwan, further escalating regional tensions.