Taiwan's defense ministry warned Tuesday (August 29) of a possible "sharp increase" in military tensions after reporting a new series of Chinese military activity, which included fighter jets making incursions on Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
According to Reuters, officials in Taipei have complained for three years of increased military pressure from Beijing, most of it in the form of China's air force flying near the island nation.
The increase of activities was also Beijing's response to an announcement Friday (August 25) that outgoing Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen would visit Eswatini, the sole African nation recognizing Taiwan diplomatically over China.
China's activity could also be in response to the US approving the sale of more advanced sensor equipment for fighter jets to Taiwan.
New Chinese Bogeys Spotted
The ministry said it spotted 12 Chinese military aircraft in its ADIZ, seven of which crossed the median line - six J-10 fighters and a drone.
"The continued military harassment by the Communist military in the region may lead to a sharp increase in tensions and worsen regional security," the ministry said.
Officials have also called on Beijing to "immediately stop such unilateral acts," as maintaining the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait would be critical to the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, which all parties, including Beijing, have a common responsibility to uphold.
Dealing With the Enemy
While the latest Chinese mission was happening, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, who is affiliated to Taiwanese opposition party Kuomintang, arrived in Shanghai for annual city-to-city talks.
His office said the city government has reiterated time and again that "the more difficult the environment is, the more the two sides should communicate.
"What the people of Taiwan want is peace and prosperity." Chang's office added. "This is the voice of the people and the firm position of the city government."
Chiang also said prior to his flight to Shanghai that the city forum was a good way to keep communication channels open and send a message of "peaceful values."
While the party was historically a bitter enemy of the Chinese Communist Party, it has since favored close relations with Beijing.
Meanwhile, Taipei city councilors affiliated to Taiwan's governing Democratic People's Party issued a joint statement, saying Chiang should "speak for the Taiwanese people" and demand an end to China's military activities.
