China continues large-scale military exercises around Taiwan for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, LETA reports citing DPA.
According to data published by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, 130 flights of Chinese military aircraft were recorded near the island over the past 24 hours.
Authorities report that this is the second highest number ever recorded. In October 2024, during the exercises "Joint Sword 2024B," 153 Chinese military aircraft were recorded near Taiwan in a single day.
Off the coast of Taiwan, 14 Chinese military ships, eight ships from other countries, and one high-flying balloon were also observed.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te stated that "the recent and frequent increase in military pressure from China is in no way the behavior of a responsible global power."
"Ensuring peace in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region is a common aspiration of the international community and a commitment of Taiwan as a responsible regional participant," he wrote on social media.
"We will act responsibly — not escalating conflict and not provoking disputes," emphasized the President of Taiwan.
On Monday, China began large-scale military exercises "Mission Justice 2025," which are taking place in the maritime and airspace around Taiwan. These are the first such large exercises near Taiwan since April.
According to Chinese state media, the exercises focus on combat patrols, achieving comprehensive superiority, and blocking key ports and territories.
The Chinese military conducts exercises in the region almost daily involving military ships and aircraft.
Taiwan has firmly condemned China's renewed military activity.
After the government of the Republic of China was defeated by the communists in the civil war in 1949 and fled to the island of Taiwan, two Chinese states effectively emerged. Communist China proclaimed itself the People's Republic of China, while the nationalist government in Taiwan continued to call itself the Republic of China. China still considers Taiwan part of its territory and states its goal of reclaiming the lost island, including through the use of military force if necessary.
