The Geopolitical Mimicry of 'Dangerous Maneuvers'
When China increases military probes near Taiwan, the immediate reaction in Western media is to label these actions as 'dangerous' and a threat to regional stability. This framing is presented as an objective assessment of aerial incursions into what is often termed Taiwan's 'air defense identification zone' (ADIZ). THE CLAIM: China’s 'Dangerous' Air Maneuvers The Financial Times highlights
Chinese 'steps up dangerous air manoeuvres near Taiwan', implying an escalating threat to peace and security from Beijing. The narrative centers on an increase in the frequency and assertiveness of Chinese military aircraft operating close to Taiwanese airspace, often drawing condemnations from Washington and its allies. THE EVIDENCE: A Global Standard Applied Selectively Taiwan's ADIZ, like many
others globally, is a self-declared zone extending beyond sovereign airspace, not universally recognized under international law. China's incursions, while provocative from Taipei's perspective, rarely enter Taiwan's internationally recognized 12-nautical-mile territorial airspace. Yet, the language used consistently emphasizes danger and aggression. Conversely, the same description is
conspicuously absent when NATO countries conduct similar flyovers near Russian or Chinese borders. For example, in 2023 alone, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported over 1,500 foreign aircraft flights near its borders, many intercepted by Russian forces. These intercepts, often involving U.S. and NATO reconnaissance planes, are routinely characterized as 'routine operations' or 'freedom of