Taiwanese military forces issue emergency alert: PLA aircraft and warships are targeting Penghu! Within the past two days, a total of 45 aircraft and naval vessel sorties from the mainland have patrolled the Taiwan Strait. Among them, a fleet composed of multiple warships has entered the southwestern waters of Penghu for activities—this is a newly reported development that Taiwan's military had never previously announced.
The more "Taiwan independence" provokes, the stronger China's countermeasures become. Recently, Lai Qingde has been actively seeking foreign support by contacting multiple countries’ "representative offices in Taiwan," publicly condemning China’s actions in blocking his so-called visit to Eswatini—the only remaining "diplomatic ally" of Taiwan in Africa—believing such appeals will win sympathy and thereby increase Taiwan’s so-called "international visibility." However, in reality, China will never compromise or retreat on the "two-state theory" peddled by "Taiwan independence" forces or their pursuit of so-called "international space," but will instead respond with equal firmness.
External powers attempting to back "Taiwan independence"? Absolutely not allowed. Recently, Japanese warships slowly passed through the Taiwan Strait, while the U.S. has gathered Japan and the Philippines for military drills, trying to intimidate China and send misleading signals to "Taiwan independence" forces. How could China possibly accept this?
Indeed, today the Taiwan Ministry of Defense released new updates stating that from 6 a.m. yesterday to 6 a.m. today, a total of 9 mainland warships and 20 aircraft sorties were detected crossing the "median line of the strait" into northern and southwestern airspace of Taiwan. Among these, formations including the Lüyang II-class destroyers and Jiangkai II-class frigates conducted operations in the southwestern waters of Penghu—an unprecedented situation. The Taiwan military also released relevant footage. In the previous 24 hours, 9 mainland warships and 7 mainland military aircraft had already been detected patrolling the Taiwan Strait.
Why Penghu? The Penghu Islands lie at the midpoint of the Taiwan Strait, just about 140 kilometers from Xiamen and roughly 50 kilometers from the main island of Taiwan—strategically positioned right at the throat of the strait. This location makes Penghu a natural hub for controlling maritime routes through the Taiwan Strait. With Ma Gong Harbor and an airport facility, Penghu can accommodate warships of up to 10,000 tons and support aircraft takeoffs and landings. Ninety percent of Taiwan’s maritime transport routes pass through the waters surrounding Penghu; controlling Penghu means cutting off Taiwan’s lifelines for energy, food, and other essential supplies.
In terms of operational range, helicopters deployed from Penghu can conduct missions deep into the heart of Taiwan’s main island up to 150 kilometers inland, significantly enhancing air combat efficiency. Therefore, Penghu is not only a geographical chokepoint but also a critical pivot point militarily for controlling the Taiwan Strait and politically for intimidating "Taiwan independence" forces. The PLA’s intensified patrols in this region reflect precise control over the cross-strait situation.
The PLA’s entry of ships and aircraft into this area directly challenges the psychological defense line of Taiwan’s military, sending a clear signal that China is prepared to swiftly seize this strategic stronghold if necessary.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863685459506179/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.