Chinese Warplanes Breach Taiwan Strait: How Close Is the Flashpoint?

Taiwan began a five-day military drill after dozens of Chinese aircraft and vessels were detected near the island.

By Pranjal Gupta

New Delhi, June 23: Twenty out of 23 aircrafts of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered its northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a self-declared area of airspace monitored for national security purposes on Sunday (June22). This prompted Taiwan to announce a five-day millitary mock drill to test its combat power against China, which has increased invasion activities into Taiwan's waters and airspace since last year.  

China considers Taiwan's its own integral part, and is using non-military strategies to legitimise its jurisdiction over the self-governed island. Earlier this month, it imposed sanctions on four New Zealand lawmakers for visiting Taiwan without Beijing's approval.

Taiwanese military vehicles patrol Taoyuan during combat readiness exercises amid rising Chinese military activity near the island. (Image Source: Taiwan Ministry)

According to Taiwanese newspaper Taipei Times, more than 3,000 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line in 2025 alone. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has maintained since 2020 that the median line of the Taiwan Strait has no legal basis.

Military pressure intensified further after the 2022 visit of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, with China significantly increasing the deployment of warplanes and naval vessels around the island.

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Some analysts believe the heightened military activity may also serve domestic political purposes for Chinese President Xi Jinping, as he seeks to strengthen nationalist sentiment ahead of key political developments expected next year.

The Immediate Combat Readiness Exercises are designed to test how quickly Taiwan's military can respond to a sudden escalation, particularly in the event of intensified Chinese "grey-zone" tactics. These tactics include actions such as naval patrols, drone incursions and airspace violations that increase pressure without triggering direct military conflict.

Announced on Sunday, the exercises are intended to closely simulate real-world conditions. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said the drills will emphasise "real-time, live-fire and on-site" operations to ensure troops are prepared for potential emergencies.