Taiwan detects Chinese army “landing maneuvers” on nearby coast

In a statement, the military portfolio indicated that, as of Tuesday, September 3, detected “various types of main and auxiliary combat aircraft, helicopters and drones”of the Chinese military” cooperating with amphibious ships and cargo ships carrying ground troops.”

The maneuvers took place in waters near Dacheng Bay, located about 150 kilometers south of the city of Xiamen, according to the official text.

“The national army uses joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance means to closely monitor and capture regional dynamics “simultaneously to facilitate an appropriate response,” the ministry said, noting in its latest daily report that 14 combat aircraft, seven naval vessels and two Chinese government ships had operated around Taiwan over the past 24 hours.

In a recent report, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense (MND ROC) warned that China does not yet have the combat capabilities for a “comprehensive invasion of Taiwan,” an island that has been autonomously governed since 1949 and considered by China to be a “rebel province.”

However, the ministry warned that the Asian giant will continue to strengthen preparations for possible “joint landing operations” in the future.

Since the new Taiwanese president, William Lai (Lai Ching-te), took office last May, China has increased its military pressure on Taiwanwhose government has proposed increasing the defense budget to a maximum of NT$647 billion (US$20.172 billion) by 2025.