Taiwan on alert as Chinese military activity persists; US to protect underwater cables

Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported continued Chinese military presence around its territorial waters on Friday, detecting one People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and nine People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels as of 6 AM local time. The aircraft notably crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND stated on X that it is monitoring the situation and responding accordingly.

This latest incursion follows similar activity on Thursday, when Taiwan detected 12 PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating near its territory. On that occasion, 10 out of the 12 aircraft sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ.

Amidst these escalating tensions, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate aimed at safeguarding Taiwan's critical undersea communication cables from Chinese "grey zone tactics." The "Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act," sponsored by Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urges the U.S. government to assist Taiwan in strengthening its cable resilience.

As per ANI reports, the proposed act calls for the Department of State, in coordination with the Departments of Defence and Homeland Security, and the Coast Guard, to implement real-time monitoring systems, develop rapid-response protocols, enhance maritime surveillance, and boost international cooperation to defend against sabotage. "Grey zone tactics" refer to unconventional actions designed to gain strategic advantages without triggering open conflict. Senators supporting the bill cited China's military strategy, which includes disrupting Taiwan's communications by targeting these crucial undersea cables. Since February 2023, at least 11 disruptions near Taiwan have been reported, with many suspected of being linked to vessels deliberately interfering with the cables. The school, which previously served over 70 students and has been under threat of demolition for years, now stands empty. The community is the ninth to be entirely displaced in the Ramallah and Jericho areas since January 2023, following recurrent attacks by Israeli settlers. Another four communities in the region are at high risk of displacement due to recurrent settler attacks and access restrictions.