Taiwan responded urgently as 11 Chinese military aircraft crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. Scrambling aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missiles, Taiwan aimed to assert its sovereignty in the area. The Taiwan Strait, a 180-kilometer-wide passage between Taiwan and mainland Asia, serves as a vital geopolitical hotspot. The median line, an informal division established during the Cold War, aims to prevent clashes between Taiwan and China. The situation underscores the complex relationship between the two sides, with Taiwan’s strategic location and political status remaining central to regional dynamics.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Taiwan Strait: A 180-kilometer-wide strait separating Taiwan and continental Asia, crucial for regional geopolitics and maritime trade routes.
- Median Line of the Taiwan Strait: An informal division between Taiwan and China established during the Cold War to reduce the risk of conflicts in the region.
- Republic of China (ROC): The official name of Taiwan’s government and territory, situated off the southeastern coast of China.
- Taipei: The capital city of Taiwan, located in the northern part of the island, serving as its political, economic, and cultural hub.
- Buddhism and Taoism: The main religions practiced in Taiwan, with Buddhism accounting for 35% and Taoism for 33% of the population.