TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tensions remained high in Taiwan on Thursday (Feb. 27), with the defense ministry reporting 45 sorties by People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, along with 14 PLAN vessels and one official ship operating near the island in the past 24 hours.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) condemned China's unexpected designation of a live-fire training zone off its southern shores, calling it a blatant violation of international norms and a direct threat to regional security. The ministry urged China to exercise restraint and cease military provocations immediately.
On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) reported that Chinese military vessels left the designated zone at 3:40 p.m. The ministry released footage showing Taiwanese naval ships monitoring large Chinese amphibious vessels. A Taiwanese naval ship also warned the Chinese "Huanggang" frigate (黃岡艦) against conducting maritime shooting in Taiwan's exclusive economic zone.
Taiwan's Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) had directed relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation, assuring the public that the government had the situation under control. Lai also emphasized the need for senior officers to remain vigilant against Chinese military threats.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Port Bureau (交通部航港局) issued hourly advisories to ships, urging them to avoid the training zone. Despite the tensions, port operations remained normal.
The defense ministry highlighted the danger posed by China's radio broadcast announcing live-fire training without prior warning in international waters. It cited China's recent military exercises near Vietnam, Australia, and the Philippines as evidence of its threat to regional peace and stability.
Earlier this week, Australia's military reported that China failed to notify them of a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea. Australian lawmakers criticized China's lack of transparency, advocating for at least 24 to 48 hours of advance notice.
China's Ministry of Defense defended the exercises, stating they complied with international law and did not affect aviation safety. It accused Australia of "hyping up" the drills and making "unreasonable accusations." As tensions rise, Taiwan's government and international observers remain watchful, urging China to adhere to international norms for regional stability.
