32 Chinese military aircraft were detected by Taiwan in a 24-hour period, which is the second-highest number this year

The second-highest number of Chinese military aircraft seen this year was detected near the island in a 24-hour period, according to information released by the Taiwanese military on Thursday.

Additionally, five navy vessels were seen by the Ministry of National Defense maneuvering near Taiwan. According to a statement from Taiwan’s defense ministry, thirteen of the aircraft “crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.” In reaction to the identified operations, Taiwan’s armed forces “monitored the situation and employed (patrol) aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems.”

The event took place in the midst of escalating hostilities between China and Taiwan, an independent island that Beijing believes is part of its sovereignty and will one day be taken by force. A Taiwanese coast guard officer said that the boat involved was zigzagging and “lost its balance” before capsizing, despite Beijing’s accusations that Taiwanese officials were “seeking to evade their responsibilities and hide the truth” about the tragedy.

The ministry found 33 Chinese airplanes over the island in two more 24-hour periods in late January and early February, the most so far this year. These discoveries came after Beijing-disliked Vice President Lai Ching-te won the January 13 presidential election.

As the dispute between Beijing and Taipei over a tragic fishing boat incident continued, Taiwan announced last month that 11 Chinese navy boats had been seen near Taiwan, the highest this year. On February 14, while being followed by the Taiwanese coast guard, a Chinese speedboat carrying four passengers collapsed near the Kinmen Islands, killing two and saving the other two.

A record eight Chinese balloons were seen in Taiwan over the course of two days last month during the Lunar New Year holiday, some of which flew straight over the island. In recent years, Beijing has increased military pressure on the island, deploying airplanes and naval vessels almost daily and increasing the number of balloons that fly above it.