- विज्ञापन -
Taipei: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported that two sorties of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and six People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were detected near Taiwan by 6 a.m. local time on Tuesday. Additionally, eight Chinese balloons were spotted in the area during this period.
The MND stated, “Two PLA aircraft sorties and six PLAN vessels operating near Taiwan were detected until 6 a.m. (UTC+8). During this time, we also detected eight PRC balloons. We have been monitoring the situation and have responded accordingly.”
This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased military activities by China around Taiwan, raising concerns about regional stability as Beijing maintains its claim over the island. Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, but China views Taiwan as part of its territory and insists on reunification, potentially through force.
In parallel, China is stepping up its cognitive warfare efforts against Taiwan. The United Front Work Department has set up a specialized misinformation unit, according to a report from Taipei Times. This is occurring during China’s National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, known as the “two sessions.”
Shi Taifeng, head of the United Front Work Department, has formed a task force focused on spreading misinformation related to Taiwan’s situation, Ukraine, and Taiwan’s semiconductor investments in the U.S., as revealed by a national security source. According to the source, Shi has emphasized the importance of these efforts, which aim to create doubt among the Taiwanese people about the U.S. and generate negative sentiments toward former President Donald Trump, while exacerbating divisions within Taiwan.
This new wave of cognitive warfare seeks to promote narratives suggesting that Trump might betray Taiwan, that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company could be taken over by the U.S., and that Taiwan will ultimately fall under Chinese control.
