China asserts air dominance with new aviation routes near Taiwan's Restricted Airspace

Reports from Taiwan News in March highlighted China's repeated encroachments into the waters surrounding Kinmen, an island held by Taiwan. Despite Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense setting boundaries for Kinmen in 1992, China's recent actions have escalated tensions in the region.

China's encroachments come amidst a backdrop of increased military activity around Taiwan since September 2020. These actions, characterized as grey zone tactics, involve deploying military aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan in a manner that falls short of direct conflict.

Territorial dispute

While Beijing does not recognize Taiwan's territorial claims, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council argues that China had previously tacitly adhered to the boundaries set for Kinmen. However, China's recent actions signify a departure from this tacit agreement, challenging the status quo in the region.

To address China's encroachments, Taiwan authorizes its Coast Guard to patrol and enforce regulations in its territorial and contiguous waters. The Coast Guard is empowered to search and seize foreign vessels that enter Taiwan's prohibited waters, extending 12 nautical miles around Taiwan proper, and restricted waters, extending 24 nautical miles.

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China's actions in the waters surrounding Kinmen have heightened tensions between Taiwan and China. These provocations not only challenge Taiwan's territorial integrity but also test the resilience of regional stability.

Strategic significance

The waters around Kinmen hold strategic importance for both Taiwan and China. As a symbol of Taiwan's sovereignty, any challenge to Kinmen's territorial integrity is viewed as a direct affront to Taiwan's national interests. Conversely, China's incursions signify its assertiveness in asserting territorial claims and projecting power in the region.

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Resolving the dispute surrounding Kinmen requires diplomatic efforts to reaffirm existing agreements and establish mechanisms for dispute resolution. Both Taiwan and China must engage in dialogue to address underlying grievances and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.

In summary, China's repeated trespassing in the waters surrounding Kinmen underscores the ongoing territorial dispute between Taiwan and China. As tensions continue to simmer, diplomatic efforts are crucial to finding a peaceful resolution and maintaining stability in the region.