Taiwan has raised alarms after detecting “multiple waves” of missile launches from China.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense, these missile firings were observed early on September 29, 2024, and were launched from different Chinese provinces, including Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang—regions located approximately 2,000 kilometers from Taiwan.
This act from China comes shortly after China’s successful test of an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), increasing concerns in Taipei about the intentions of Beijing.
China’s military, particularly its Rocket Force, oversees these missile launches, which are part of routine exercises. However, it also seems to convey a message for Taiwan and its allies. Taiwan’s government has declared that its forces are on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining strong air defense capabilities in case of further developments.
While China has not responded to requests for comments regarding this specific missile activity, its military asserts that such exercises are "legitimate" and will continue.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry said in a statement that, “the military has continuously monitored relevant developments, and the air defense forces maintain a high degree of vigilance and strengthen their alert.”
“The security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region are related to global development,” it added. “Any threatening and provocative actions will seriously undermine regional stability.”
What Are The Reasons For China’s Missile Tests?
This latest development follows a long-standing pattern of military provocations by China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province. Chinese forces frequently conduct live-fire drills and other military activities around the island to assert their territorial claims. Taiwan’s radar systems, some of which are strategically placed in its central mountain range, allow the island to monitor Chinese activities deep inland, although details of such operations are rarely disclosed.
The missile launches are part of China’s broader strategy to test Taiwan’s defenses and send a message to international observers, particularly as the U.S. and other countries increasingly support Taiwan’s autonomy. The ICBM test, conducted just days before the missile waves, adds to the complexity of the geopolitical situation, reminding the world of China's growing military capabilities.
For Taiwan, this surge in missile activity is a cause for concern. The island nation is determined to defend its sovereignty and maintain its military readiness in the face of escalating threats from the mainland. Taiwan's officials have warned that these continued missile tests and drills contribute to regional instability.
In the midst of all these happenings, the White House, in a statement, said that President Joe Biden conferred the Secretary of State with the authority “to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.”
This assistance by the US to Taiwan is one of many, and it came as Taipei was on alert after detecting the waves of missiles firing deep in inland China.
Closing Note
While China has said that these missile launches are harmless routine military drills, Taiwan perceives them as aggressive maneuvers designed to challenge its security and autonomy.
As the tensions between Taiwan and China intensify, the international community is paying closer attention, particularly as these developments have broader implications for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.