Taiwan tests its air defence amid repeated cross-strait violations by China

The Taiwan Air Force Command confirmed an early morning training exercise lasting from 5 am to 7 am local time. It used anti-aircraft artillery systems and US-made Patriot missiles.

The objective was to validate the command and control of joint air defence operations among the military branches, Taiwan’s Air Force said in a statement.

What does it mean?

Facing frequent Chinese incursions into its sea and airspace, the latest exercise shows Taiwan’s consistent commitment to ensure that it counters potential threats. The tests also involved domestically produced Sky Bow and Patriot missiles, meaning that Taipei’s focus is to enhance its ability to repel a potential Chinese invasion with its homegrown capabilities.

Meanwhile, Beijing continues to assert its territorial claims over the self-governing island and its outlying territories inhabited by 23 million people.

What is the cause of concern for Taiwan?

Beijing’s presence near Taiwan over what Taipei terms a “grey zone” while avoiding direct conflict, has been a cause of concern.

Taiwan firmly rejects China’s territorial assertions and calls for the right of its people to determine their future.

What is the immediate context?

The tests coincide with Taiwan’s upcoming extensive military drills scheduled for April 2 to 20, along with live-fire exercises around offshore islets, including Kinmen, a point of recent tensions due to its proximity to internationally-recognised Chinese territory.

On Tuesday (March 26), Taiwan’s defence ministry reported 13 Chinese aircraft and seven navy vessels around the island within a 24-hour period. This came just a week during which Taiwan identified 36 Chinese military aircraft encircling the island in a single day, marking the highest count recorded this year.