In an event of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to increase pressure on Taiwan, also known as the Republic of Chinathe PRC has been sending hordes of aircraft into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Chinese aircraft incursions into the Taiwanese ADIZ
In the last two days, 66 military aircraft have violated this area. One could argue that these current PRC penetrations into Taiwan’s ADIZ are due to the fiery rhetoric of the new Taiwanese president, Lai Ching-te, who on Wednesday stated, according to Reuters, that “peace must be based on strength, that is, avoiding war by preparing for war to achieve peace. “Empty promises are not true peace.”
Meanwhile, the PRC has been pushing legislation to impose the death penalty on domestic supporters of Taiwan’s opponents. Additionally, concerns are mounting that the decades-long territorial dispute between the PRC and Taiwan, dating back to 1949, is the reason why the PRC is rapidly arming itself. Whenever an aircraft violates a nation’s ADIZ, it can send an aircraft to identify it and be prepared to deter any attack. However, when dealing with 66 military aircraft from a hostile nation, the cost of continuing such operations is high.
Earlier this month, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) issued a report titled “How China Could Quarantine Taiwan.” The report notes that the PRC could deploy a naval fleet to limit Taiwanese seaports, while the air force also conducts patrols to assist. CSIS predicts that just a few weeks of this would be necessary to undermine Taiwan on the world stage and thoroughly deplete Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
Historical precedents for air raids on Taiwan
As mentioned above, Taiwan has been in this situation before. In fact, according to Taiwan News As of June 23, so far in June, 301 PRC aircraft have entered the ADIZ. This means that Taiwanese fighter jets need to intercept, identify and deter PRC aircraft. An Air Defense Identification Zone or ADIZ is a portion of airspace off the coast of a nation where aircraft are required to identify themselves and maintain contact with air traffic control. Failure to do so may result in interception by military aircraft.
As described in the profile above, the Taiwanese Air Force It is capable of monitoring its local airspace and intercepting possible threats to the Taiwanese people. However, Taiwan has a no-shoot-first policy, preferring to rely on deterrence. However, as mentioned above, there are credible reports that Taiwan and the USA are working together to arm Taiwan with a massive fleet of drones to deny the Taiwan Strait between the PRC and Taiwan to PRC invasion forces.
This is also raising tensions, but is possibly necessary considering the PRC’s increasing rhetoric, the rise of legal warfare – or legal actions taken as part of a hostile campaign against a country or group, and large-scale evidence of Taiwan’s air sovereignty.
Cooperation between Taiwan and the United States on air defense
In response to the PRC’s continued incursions, cooperation between Taiwan and the USA has intensified. The collaboration includes strengthening Taiwan’s defensive capabilities by providing advanced drone systems. These drones have the critical mission of patrolling and defending the Taiwan Strait, acting as a mobile barrier against any invasion attempts by the PRC. This strategy seeks to create an effective access denial zone, deterring any potential PRC aggression.
In addition to drones, the cooperation agreements also include sharing intelligence and conducting joint military exercises to improve interoperability between Taiwanese and US forces. This level of cooperation not only enhances Taiwan’s ability to respond to immediate threats, but also sends a clear message to the PRC about both countries’ determination to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty.
PRC incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) consist of Chinese military aircraft entering Taiwan’s airspace without prior notice. These raids require Taiwan to send aircraft to intercept and deter intruders, increasing tensions and defense costs.
Taiwan responds to PRC incursions by sending aircraft to intercept and monitor Chinese aircraft. In addition, it is collaborating with the United States to improve its defenses, including the use of drones and intelligence sharing to strengthen surveillance and protection of the Taiwan Strait.
The strategy includes using a fleet of advanced drones to patrol the Taiwan Strait and create an access denial zone. Joint military exercises are also held and intelligence is exchanged to improve interoperability between Taiwanese and US forces, deterring potential PRC aggression.
The PRC increases its military presence in Taiwan’s ADIZ in response to Taiwan’s defensive rhetoric and actions, as well as part of a territorial pressure strategy. The PRC seeks to challenge Taiwanese sovereignty and wear down Taiwan’s defensive capabilities through constant raids and other military tactics.
The raids raise regional tensions, forcing Taiwan to spend resources on constant interceptions and increasing the risk of conflict. Furthermore, these actions send an intimidating message to other countries, affecting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
