TAIWAN STRAIT

Current Context: Taiwan reported over 70 Chinese military aircraft (74 warplanes) operating near its territory, 61 crossing the median line—just days after the UK’s HMS Spey transit through the Strait

 ABOUT TAIWAN STRAIT:

• Definition: A narrow sea channel linking the South China Sea and the East China Sea.
• Historical Name: Term coined by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century; Taiwan then known as “Formosa.”
• Geography: Flows include runoff from China’s Jiulong and Min Rivers.
• Economic Significance: Conduit for over 40% of global container ship traffic.
• Median Line (Davis Line): Thinly drawn line traditionally separating Chinese and Taiwanese military zones.