Beijing on Wednesday reiterated its stance that Taiwan remains an "inalienable part" of its territory, following the passage of two United States naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait.
China strongly opposed any challenge to its sovereignty under the guise of "freedom of navigation."
Addressing a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declared, “Let me stress that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
The Taiwan question has nothing to do with freedom of navigation but bears on China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He further stated, “China firmly opposes any country challenging or threatening China’s sovereignty and security under the pretext of freedom of navigation.”
The remarks came in response to a statement by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND), which confirmed that two US naval vessels had transited the Taiwan Strait from north to south on 10 February.
The ministry assured that Taiwan’s armed forces had closely monitored the situation.
Also read: China breaches Taiwan waters again; 13 aircraft, 10 vessels detected
In a post on X, the MND said, “Two U.S. naval vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait from north to south starting on the 10th. During this period, #ROCArmedForces maintained full control over the surrounding sea and airspace, with the situation remaining normal.”
Increased Chinese military presence
Amid the tensions, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported increased military activity by China’s forces in the region.
According to the MND, six sorties of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and one official Chinese ship were detected operating around the island as of 6 am (UTC+8) on Thursday.
Four of the six aircraft sorties reportedly crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line and entered Taiwan’s northern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND stated, “We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Beijing has escalated its military preparedness in recent weeks, deploying new naval equipment designed to enhance amphibious assault capabilities.
This includes the introduction of an advanced Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) vessel and the mass production of floating bridge docks to facilitate rapid troop and equipment deployment during potential beach landings.
Taiwan-China tensions
The dispute over Taiwan remains a long-standing geopolitical flashpoint. While Taiwan functions as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and economy, Beijing insists that it is a breakaway province that must ultimately be reunified with the mainland under the “One China” policy.
Since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, Beijing has employed diplomatic, economic, and military means to pressure Taiwan into submission.
However, Taiwan continues to assert its independent identity, backed by strong domestic support and growing international partnerships.
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