Taiwan spots 13 Chinese military aircraft and nine ships around countries amid rising tensions with Beijing

Chinese aircraft and naval ships were spotted around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, and 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29, reports Taiwan News.

According to the MND, three of the 13 PLA aircraft crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait, one flew southwest inside the country's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), and one Chinese drone traveled through the southern part of the ADIZ.

In retaliation, Taiwan monitored PLA movements with aircraft, naval ships and coastal-based missile systems.

China has been using 'grey zone' tactics more frequently since September 2020, gradually increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships in the Taiwan area.

According to a Taiwan News report, 'grey zone' tactics are specifically defined as “an effort, or series of efforts, beyond static deterrence and reassurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without using direct and massive force.”

So far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 403 times and naval/coast guard ships 243 times.

Despite never ruling Taiwan, China's ruling Communist Party considers it part of its territory and has threatened to annex it by force if necessary.

Earlier on May 27, the Chinese Foreign Ministry had strongly protested the recent visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan.

Amid the visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning has said that Beijing firmly opposes military contact between the US and Taiwan as well as any attempt to arm Taiwan.

The visit of US lawmakers to the self-governed island of Taiwan comes days after China carried out 'large-scale' military exercises near Taiwan.

Last week's drills were the largest conducted by China in more than a year, and came just days after Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te was sworn in.

Lai Ching Te is openly despised by Beijing for its promotion of the island's sovereignty and distinct character.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “We urge relevant members of the US Congress to stop playing the “Taiwan card,” stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop supporting and colluding with “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, and stop undermining China-US relations and cross-Strait peace and stability.”