China Deploys 59 Warplanes to Harass Taiwan – Taiwan Calls CCP a ‘Troublemaker’ in the Taiwan Strait

Taiwanese F-16V fighter jet monitors a Chinese CH-4 reconnaissance drone. (Photo provided by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense / Dajiyuan)

[People News] On March 17, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) conducted a “joint combat readiness patrol” in the Taiwan Strait, deploying 59 military aircraft. In a rare move, the CCP officially referred to this patrol as a “military action.” In response, Taiwan has announced an “immediate combat readiness drill” to counter the threat posed by the Chinese military.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense stated on Tuesday (March 18) that between Monday 6:00 AM and Tuesday 6:00 AM, Taiwan’s military detected 59 Chinese aircraft operating near the island. Of these, 43 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered airspace around northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Taiwan. Additionally, nine Chinese naval vessels were detected in the surrounding waters. The Taiwanese military also spotted two Chinese surveillance balloons off the coast of Keelung in northern Taiwan.

At a March 17 press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the United States of escalating tensions over Taiwan. She claimed that the U.S. State Department recently made a series of incorrect moves on the Taiwan issue, specifically modifying the “U.S.-Taiwan Relations” webpage and altering the “Fact Sheet” by removing references to the “One China” principle and U.S. opposition to Taiwan independence. Mao characterized the latest CCP military operation as a “military action.”

Taiwan's Defense Minister: China (the CCP) is the Troublemaker for Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait

On March 18, 2025, Defense Minister Gu Lixiong participated in a joint media interview before attending a session at the Legislative Yuan in the morning. (Song Bilong / Dajiyuan)

In response, Taiwan's Defense Minister Gu Lixiong stated during an interview at the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday that the CCP's "joint combat readiness patrols" involve large numbers of air force and navy personnel, as well as naval vessels, simultaneously advancing within 24 nautical miles. Historically, these joint combat readiness patrols have been conducted about once a week. However, on Monday, after one patrol was held in the morning, the naval vessels did not depart, and the air force returned in the afternoon. Gu Lixiong accused the CCP of being the "troublemaker for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

This week, the Taiwanese military conducted "immediate combat readiness drills," prompting media inquiries about the current state of preparations. Gu Lixiong explained that the purpose of these drills is to respond to similar disruptive actions by the CCP and to strengthen high combat readiness capabilities. Therefore, planned immediate combat readiness drills were implemented. These drills are based on situational assumptions, and the events of Monday provided an opportunity to conduct corresponding exercises to enhance combat readiness capabilities.

Scholars Warn: The CCP Uses Military Actions to Heighten Political Significance

In an interview with Radio Free Asia, Su Ziyun, director of the National Defense Strategy and Resources Institute at Taiwan's National Defense Security Research Institute, stated that the CCP's recent "combat readiness patrols" are primarily a response to international support for Taiwan. The CCP is particularly concerned about the G7 foreign ministers' joint statement, which no longer mentions the "One China" policy, while also encouraging Taiwan's participation in international organizations and opposing attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion. The CCP is deliberately using these "combat readiness patrols" to counter this.

The Chinese government's use of the term 'military action' appears to be influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which it refers to as a 'special military operation,' thereby elevating the political implications. Taiwan will not take this matter lightly," he stated.

Su Ziyun further analyzed that previously, the Chinese Communist Party's so-called 'combat readiness patrols' were largely symbolic. However, in recent years, their scale and frequency have significantly increased, indicating a real potential for 'transitioning from training to combat.' From his perspective, in addition to the 59 military aircraft, the warships play a crucial role. Historically, the Chinese Communist Party deployed only 1 to 2 warships symbolically in the northern and southern Taiwan Strait. Now, there are typically around 6 warships surrounding Taiwan, each capable of carrying 80 to 100 cruise missiles.

'This effectively creates an alternative 'missile threat.' Traditionally, a 'missile threat' is understood to involve Dongfeng 15 and 16 missiles launched from the mainland, which provide at least 15 minutes of warning time. However, if launched from a ship 24 nautical miles away, that warning time is reduced to just 3 minutes. Furthermore, 6 warships could potentially launch 500 missiles, which would inflict substantial damage in a surprise attack on Taiwan,' Su Ziyun cautioned.

Taiwan Should Prepare to Counter The Potential of The Chinese Communist Party Transitioning From Training to Combat

Yu Zongji, the former President of the Political Warfare College at Taiwan's National Defense University, told Radio Free Asia that following the Two Sessions, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has taken a notably hardline approach towards the United States. For example, in response to the trade war, it has firmly stated that it will not back down. Conversely, any support from the U.S. for Taiwan is met with intense dissatisfaction from the CCP. A case in point is when Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te recently labeled the CCP as a 'foreign hostile force.' Following this, Eric Huang, the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, noted that Lai's initiative to combat CCP espionage and influence would further strengthen U.S.-Taiwan cooperation. The Chinese government believes that Taiwan's legal warfare strategy against the CCP and its counteractions are linked to the United States.

Yu Zongji remarked, 'This provocation is quite significant, compelling Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense to prepare for 'immediate combat drills' in response. When the opposing military applies extreme pressure on Taiwan, it remains uncertain when the Chinese military will 'shift from training to combat.' Taiwan must ensure that its combat forces are ready for immediate action and can quickly transition between peacetime and wartime. This is a response to the CCP's next steps, as the intensity and scale of its military provocations are likely to become increasingly threatening.'

U.S. and Allies Conduct Joint Military Exercises to Contain China

In response to the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the First Island Chain, the United States and its allies have recently conducted joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region. March 9: The U.S. and South Korea launched the "Freedom Shield" joint military exercise, featuring the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. February 2025: The U.S., Japan, and France conducted the "Pacific Stellar 2025" joint military drill, with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, the U.S. Navy, and the French Navy operating in air and sea areas east of the Philippines. February 3: The U.S., Japan, and Australia launched their annual "Cope North 25" joint air combat exercise in Guam. February 21: France and the Philippines conducted a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea.

According to military analyst Su Tzu-yun, the First Island Chain has effectively become a "hot zone." The U.S. and its allies are demonstrating clear military deterrence against the CCP while also providing strong diplomatic support for Taiwan. In response, China is using so-called "military actions" to project political intentions—including deploying a Chinese destroyer task force to circle Australia and conduct live-fire drills. Su describes the situation as both sides showing their swords and engaging in a show of force.

Analyst Yu Tsung-chi pointed out that whenever China ramps up military pressure and threats, surrounding nations will naturally respond with collective countermeasures. This geopolitical confrontation is evident beyond Taiwan: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has taken a stronger stance following his release from a diplomatic crisis. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been sent to the International Court of Justice for alleged human rights violations. These developments underscore the ongoing power struggle between the U.S. and China. Recognizing that it is being fully contained, the CCP has become increasingly resentful, adopting an even more aggressive stance toward Taiwan and the Philippines.