The revision shortens the air raid warning range from 70 nautical miles (129 kilometres) to 24 nautical miles (44 kilometres), effectively leaving citizens with only three minutes to prepare in the event of an aerial attack.
Taiwan has revised its air raid alert regulations, reducing the threshold distance for warnings, Defence Minister Wellington Koo confirmed on Monday. The decision was attributed to escalating military provocations from China, as reported by Taiwan News.
According to a report by RW Media on Nov. 22, the Ministry of National Defence quietly amended the regulations at the end of 2022.
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The revision shortens the air raid warning range from 70 nautical miles (129 kilometres) to 24 nautical miles (44 kilometres), effectively leaving citizens with only three minutes to prepare in the event of an aerial attack.
The report also revealed that the revised Regulations for Air Raid Alert Implementation were classified as confidential and had not been publicised, leaving few aware of the change.
Addressing the matter in the Legislative Yuan, Koo explained the reasoning behind the adjustment. “This is mainly due to enemy threats,” he stated, Taiwan News qupting Liberty Times.
He pointed to China’s increasingly provocative military behaviour, including repeated crossings of the Taiwan Strait median line, which he said has heightened the threat level.
Koo emphasised that China’s actions are undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region. The military, he assured, is actively monitoring Chinese movements to assess their intentions and formulate appropriate responses.
“We could not possibly allow the People’s Liberation Army to operate unopposed, and necessary countermeasures will be taken,” he affirmed.
The revised air raid warning regulations come as Taiwan continues to navigate rising tensions with China. The shorter alert threshold reflects the growing urgency to respond to potential threats as Beijing’s military manoeuvres near Taiwan’s airspace have become more frequent and assertive, reported Taiwan News.
Surge in Chinese military activity
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Friday reported an increase in Chinese military activity around the island, detecting over 30 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels around Taiwan.
The details were shared in a post on X.
“33 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 21 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Chinese incursions around Taiwan have increased recently. In response, Taiwan has stepped up security along its maritime borders.
Taiwan’s armed forces conducted a comprehensive air defence drill on Thursday as China reportedly prepares for its third large-scale military exercise, Joint Sword-2024C, near Taiwan.
The drill, which involved air, naval, and missile defence units, was conducted to strengthen readiness against potential aerial and missile threats, according to Taiwan News.
The Air Force Command stated that the exercise took place from 5 am to 7 am, deploying fighter jets, naval vessels, and air defence missile systems. Aircraft such as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16, and C-130 transport planes were utilised, along with ground-based air defence missile units.
Recently, Taiwanese President, Lai Ching-te attended the completion ceremony for the #ROCN Shuei-Sing Barracks. The base will serve as the new home for the Taiwanese Navy Underwater Operations Unit and enhance its training capabilities.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security conference in which he assured the public about the government’s commitment to neutralising any threat to Taiwan’s democracy and security after China staged a large-scale military drill around the island.
He made his remarks in response to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) announcement of military drills, named “Joint Sword-2024B,” in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas, which were described as a “stern warning” to advocates of Taiwan independence, according to the Taipei Times. (ANI)
Air drill conducted to boost readiness
Taiwan’s armed forces conducted a comprehensive air defence drill on Thursday as China reportedly prepares for its third large-scale military exercise, Joint Sword-2024C, near Taiwan.
The drill, which involved air, naval, and missile defence units, was conducted to strengthen readiness against potential aerial and missile threats, Taiwan News reported.
The Air Force Command stated that the exercise took place from 5 am to 7 am, deploying fighter jets, naval vessels, and air defence missile systems. Aircraft such as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16, and C-130 transport planes were utilised, along with ground-based air defence missile units.
According to Newtalk, the drill focused on practicing responses to enemy attacks on critical positions while integrating air defence, cyber-electronic warfare, and inter-branch cooperation across Taiwan’s armed forces.
The exercise emphasised safeguarding the 24-nautical-mile (44 km) contiguous zone east of Taiwan, often referred to as the “air raid alert line.” Forces tested their capability to respond to sorties from Chinese Shenyang J-15 fighter jets launched from aircraft carriers like the Liaoning, reported Taiwan News.
The Liaoning had previously conducted exercises off Taiwan’s east coast in October, heightening regional tensions.
These quarterly drills, previously known as the Lien Hsiang joint military exercise, are a critical part of Taiwan’s defence strategy to counter growing threats from China’s military manoeuvres. Reuters cited a Taiwan security official on Wednesday as saying that Beijing is likely to use President Lai Ching-te’s upcoming tour of South Pacific allies as justification for launching Joint Sword-2024C.
The anticipated Chinese military exercise is expected to demonstrate power projection in areas near Taiwan, intensifying the pressure on the island, Taiwan News reported. (ANI)
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