Overview
- Taiwan’s National Security Bureau said 3,570 Chinese military aircraft were recorded near the island through December 15, surpassing 3,070 in all of 2024.
- In the 24 hours to December 17, Taiwan reported nine PLA aircraft operating nearby, with five entering its Air Defense Identification Zone.
- Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported the first passage of China’s new aircraft carrier Fujian through the Taiwan Strait since its commissioning.
- Officials said China has conducted 39 joint naval combat patrols intended to test alarm and reaction patterns in the strait.
- Beijing continues to claim Taiwan and has not ruled out force, and Japan recently signaled it would intervene militarily if China escalates.