TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan reported on Tuesday (May 14) that Chinese forces were conducting another "combat patrol" near the island, escalating tensions ahead of the inauguration of Taiwan's new president.
The defense ministry of Taiwan observed 23 Chinese military aircraft, including advanced Su-30 fighters and warships, conducting "joint combat readiness patrols" starting at 5 p.m. This move comes as Taiwan's president-elect, Lai Ching-te (賴清德), prepares for his inauguration on May 20, amid Beijing's labeling of him as a "dangerous separatist."
Fifteen Chinese aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or flew close to it, entering airspace to the north, center, and southwest of Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
Additionally, Taiwan's coast guard reported on the same day that the Chinese coast guard patrolled waters near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, marking the fifth such mission this month. This incident marks at least the third time within a month that Taiwan has reported a Chinese "joint combat readiness patrol."
In a pre-recorded message to the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Lai Ching-te stated he is open to dialogue with China based on mutual respect, benefits, and dignity, without preconditions.
However, China's defense ministry did not respond to calls for comment, and the Chinese coast guard has no publicly available contact information. Taiwan's Coast Guard vowed to continue strengthening its law enforcement position and deter actions by mainland China that endanger navigational safety. Chinese state media has described the coast guard patrols around Kinmen as "normal law enforcement inspections," while Taiwan condemns them as intimidation tactics.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that respects the sovereignty and safety of all involved.
