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Heightened Tensions: Taiwan Monitors Chinese Missile Activity

TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan’s Defence Ministry has announced that it is on high alert following the detection of “multiple waves” of missile launches from deep within Chinese territory. This statement comes just days after Beijing reported a successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

As a self-governing entity, Taiwan is acutely aware of China’s military maneuvers, given that Beijing considers the island as part of its territory. Although Taiwan rarely discloses specifics about military activities within China, this recent event has prompted a more detailed assessment.

According to Taiwan’s Defence Ministry, missile activity began at approximately 6:50 a.m. local time (2250 GMT the previous day), with “multiple waves of firing” observed from several regions in China, including Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang. Notably, these areas are situated over 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) away from Taiwan.

The ministry reassured the public that Taiwan’s military forces are actively monitoring the situation and have heightened their vigilance. The air defense units have been placed on high alert as a precautionary measure.

China’s Defence Ministry has not responded to inquiries for comments outside regular office hours. The Rocket Force, responsible for managing both conventional and nuclear missiles, plays a critical role in China’s military strategy.

In the wake of a surge in military activities near Taiwan, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry had previously expressed concerns regarding Beijing’s increasing provocations and operational instability. In response, China’s military defended its actions, labeling the exercises around Taiwan as “legitimate” and indicating that such drills would persist.

Just a day prior to the recent missile activity, China confirmed the successful launch of an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean—a demonstration of its expanding missile capabilities.

Historically, instances of military escalation have occurred, such as in August 2022, when China fired missiles into waters surrounding Taiwan in response to a contentious visit by Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, to Taipei.

According to security sources, Taiwan operates advanced radar installations located in its central mountain range, enabling it to monitor activities deep within Chinese territory. This technological edge aids in detecting military movements and ensuring national security.

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