Taiwan on Alert After Detecting Missile Launches in China

Taiwan's defense ministry announced it is on alert after detecting "multiple waves" of missile launches deep in China. This comes just days after Chinese officials said they successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Taiwan is a democratic island that China sees as its territory. Because of this, Taiwan closely monitors Chinese military activities. However, Taiwan does not often share details about what it observes happening inside China.

Starting at 6:50 a.m. on Sunday, Taiwan’s ministry detected missile launches by China’s Rocket Force and army in several provinces. These provinces include Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang, all of which are at least 2,000 kilometers away from Taiwan. 

The Taiwanese military said its forces are continuously monitoring the situation. They have also kept their air defense systems on high alert.

The Rocket Force in China is responsible for the country’s conventional and nuclear missile arsenal. Taiwan's defense ministry raised concerns about a recent increase in Chinese military activity around the island. They accused China of creating instability with its actions.

China's military responded, saying its activities near Taiwan were "legitimate" and that drills would continue. Just one day earlier, China announced it successfully launched an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean.

In August 2022, China fired missiles into the waters around Taiwan. This was a reaction to a visit by Nancy Pelosi, who was the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives at the time.

According to security sources, Taiwan has powerful radar stations on some mountain peaks. These stations can monitor activities deep within China. This technology allows Taiwan to keep an eye on any military developments nearby.

As tensions continue, both sides are showing readiness and caution. The situation remains tense as Taiwan prepares for any possible military actions from China.