Ben Lewis 🇺🇦 @OfficialBen_L Twitter profile

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

5 months

Incredibly thankful to have been hosted by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research ( @INDSRTW ) yesterday to discuss Taiwan’s strategic communications strategy.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

The United States has never openly supported Taiwan independence, this is a standard U.S. talking point.

Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱

@AdamKinzinger

1 year

What in Gods name…..

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

This is why you don’t invade Taiwan in July.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

9 months

If you believe that the PLA can launch a surprise invasion of Taiwan unpredicted by Western intelligence agencies, you already bought the bridge.

Elbridge Colby

@ElbridgeColby

9 months

If you believe this, I have a bridge I’d like to sell you.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

Just to underscore the substantial difference between the live-fire exercises that will take place on April 10 and the exercises that took place in August 2022, here is a map that juxtaposes the two events. Made by the wonderful @LouisMVezian

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

The idea that Taiwan is a free rider on the back American defense is simply untrue, and grossly uniformed. Sanctioning Taiwan to induce moves toward asymmetric defense is an utterly ridiculous idea.

Elbridge Colby

@ElbridgeColby

2 years

I completely agree. I also support targeted sanctions to induce Taiwan to move toward asymmetric defense. Taiwan is important. Americans would die in its defense. Ergo we should do everything needed to get them to build a strong defense. @matthewstoller

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

This is disinformation. This is a video of the flyover from the Presidential inauguration on Monday.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

9 months

This is a perfect example of the kind of PLA activity Taiwan should actively publicize. We know Taiwan is experiencing similar challenges to the Philippines - Taipei should look to emulate Manila when it comes to talking about them.

Bianca Dava 🐱

@biancadava

9 months

WATCH: Two Chinese fighter jets orbited a Philippine aircraft during the joint patrols of the Philippines and Australia in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday. (📹 AFP Public Affairs Office) @ABSCBNNews

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

4 months

This is the largest number of ships tracked entering the restricted or prohibited water around Kinmen shared publicly. This was more than just the Chinese Coast Guard, ships from multiple Chinese maritime law enforcement agencies were involved.

Jaime Ocon 歐海美

@JaimeOcon1

4 months

WATCH: Taiwan's Coast Guard releases video of 5 Chinese CG ships and 7 other vessels operating near Kinmen. Part of the fleet was operating in Taiwan's restricted waters, just 4nm SW of Liaoluo Bay. Source: Taiwan Coast Guard Administration

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 years

@Snowden

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

This thread has some good information, but I think it's a mischaracterization of recent PLA activity around Taiwan. Yes, we have seen above-average naval activity around Taiwan in July, and PRC state media has claimed that amphibious training has been conducted. 1/🧵

Ian Ellis

@ianellisjones

1 year

China is war gaming an amphibious assault on Taiwan. - Ongoing, unannounced major military exercises - 16 warships encircled Taiwan, a single day record, & 100+ in July - Northern & Southern Theater forces participate - 250 sorties with fighter jets & bombers Latest updates 👇

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Video showing Taiwan’s Navy moving what is likely anti-ship missile systems:

軍聞社 Military News Agency, ROC(Taiwan)🇹🇼

@mna_roc

3 months

「#海軍 #海鋒大隊飛彈車機動前往戰術位置。」（中華民國海軍提供） Follow @mna_roc ，為您帶來第一線國軍戰備實況！ #ROCArmedForce #ROCNavy #ProtectOurCountry #ROC #Taiwan 🇹🇼

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

6 months

A frankly bizarre video from the PLA Eastern Theater Command calling on Taiwan to peacefully join China under threat of force. Some notable aspects of the video include the exercise zones from the August 2022 PLA exercises and a CCG vessel near Kinmen.

Global Times

@globaltimesnews

6 months

The #PLA Eastern Theater Command published a poster titled "Return Home" on Friday ahead of the Lantern Festival, which marks a time for family reunion. The poster features two hands holding together, with the map of the Taiwan Straits in the background.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

8 months

There is no evidence to suggest that the PRC is actively preparing for a conflict over Taiwan in 2024.

Brazil Sovereignty Supporter

@Gazaishumanity

8 months

From the looks of it, there will be a war over Taiwan in 2024

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

MAJOR ADIZ Violation The MND release states that 103 PLA aircraft were tracked operating near Taiwan, with 40 entering the de-facto ADIZ. This is the largest single-day total of aircraft around Taiwan on record (prev 91 on 4/10/23). Short thread to follow.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

Comments from folks like Colby and others have consequences. This is not the kind of thing the defense minister of a close partner of the United States should have to say. The “we should bomb TSMC if China invades” argument is a foolish, uneducated waste of time and energy.

Arnaud Bertrand

@RnaudBertrand

1 year

In the event of war Taiwan's Minister for National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正), said they'd defend themselves from... US attacks (!) on TSMC after statements by US officials that they'd destroy the facilities regardless of what the Taiwanese want.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

11 months

Had a fantastic time at the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference! Some very honest discussions about the challenges our two nations face, but I left feeling incredibly optimistic about the future of the relationship. Hope I can attend again next year!

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

With the upcoming Huan Kuang exercises, there will likely be heightened PLA activity around Taiwan. If you're interested in identifying PLAAF and PLAN Aviation special mission and support aircraft, check out my new guide at @ArchivesDefense :

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

MAJOR ADIZ VIOLATION 40x PLA aircraft over the median line and in the SW ADIZ today, the 6th highest on record. There are a few things about today’s activity that I will cover in a short thread below.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

A couple of notes about this. The PLAN is not responsible for the “joint inspection patrol,” the ship that was announced to be leading the patrol is the Haixun 06, which is a maritime patrol vessel operated by the Maritime Safety Administration.

OSINTdefender

@sentdefender

1 year

The Chinese Government has announced that it will begin to Stop and Inspect any Ship that is seen Sailing through the Taiwan Strait; the Republic of China (Taiwan) has stated that it will Not Cooperate with any kind of “Search and Seizure” by the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

🧵tracking the PLA Eastern Theater Command joint military drills around Taiwan which started at 0745 local time on 23 May 2024.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

8 months

Oh boy. MND report states that 4x PLA aircraft and 3x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 1 of the aircraft entered the de-facto ADIZ. More importantly, two balloons were tracked, with one of them flying directly over Taiwan.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Video from PLA Eastern Theater Command showing simulated joint strikes on Taiwan.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Very important not to exaggerate the apparent scope and intensity of these exercises. The exercise zones are on all sides of the island, but there are sizeable gaps. Note that Keelung, a major port city in northern Taiwan, is not blocked.

EndGameWW3 🇺🇸

@EndGameWW3

3 months

China is basically blockading Taiwan with these drills right now...

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

Thrilled to work with @BrianTHart and the @ChinaPowerCSIS team to put out an article covering the key trends in ADIZ activity in 2022!

Brian Hart

@BrianTHart

1 year

NEW from @ChinaPowerCSIS : We just published an excellent guest-authored article (our first!) by @OfficialBen_L . In it, he analyzes key trends of China's 2022 violations of Taiwan's ADIZ. The article includes some great graphics by @CIGeography as well.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Good to compare these exercise zones (left) with August 2022 (right):

Ryan Chan 陳家翹

@ryankakiuchan

3 months

@OfficialBen_L For your reference Ben.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

6 months

Major ADIZ Violation MND report states that 32x PLA aircraft and 5x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 20 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. This is the largest single-day total of aircraft since 02 November 2023. English map included below

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

Wanted to share something @LouisMVezian , @ThrustWR , and I have been working on. Here is a map of Taiwan's de-facto ADIZ with the area sectors I use for the tracker marked. More to come soon!

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

10 months

🧵As we head into the APEC summit and the Biden-Xi meeting this week, I thought it would be a good time to talk about ADIZ activity in 2023 so far. BLUF: The PLA has increased the quantity and quality of its activities around Taiwan in 2023. Map by @ThrustWR and @LouisMVezian

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

I don’t have much to add to this discussion - I agree with Mike/James/Decker. There is one angle of the 2027 window that I think is not brought up enough:

Mike Black

@MikeBlack114

5 months

It all goes back to what sparked 2027, which was tainted from birth by virtue of some analysts with an agenda (from IPC and elsewhere) posturing their bosses to take something with a grain of truth and make it out to be as if Xi had already ordered the invasion for 15 Sept 2027

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 years

No, that’s Steve Rogers. Aaron Rodgers was the host of a beloved television program for children where he taught lessons about kindness and being a good neighbor.

T. Greg Doucette

@greg_doucette

3 years

No, that's Will Rogers. Aaron Rodgers was a scrawny kid with a big heart who always defended his friends even when he got beat up, then the Government enrolled him in a secret WWII Super Soldier program so he could do television spots for the War Effort

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 month

Looks like we are going to have our first-ever dual-encirclement flight around Taiwan. Japan MoD reporting that 2x PLA UAV circumnavigated Taiwan while being supported by a Y-9DZ.

防衛省統合幕僚監部

@jointstaffpa

1 month

【中国軍機の動向について】３日午後、中国軍のＹ－９情報収集機１機が東シナ海方面から飛来したことを確認。また、同日午後、推定中国無人機１機（推定）が東シナ海方面から飛来し、与那国島と台湾との間を通過して太平洋に至り、バシー海峡方面へ飛行したことを確認しました。

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

It's the last day of the month, which means it's time for my first monthly report on Taiwan ADIZ violations. The big story of the month was @SpeakerPelosi 's trip to Taiwan, which was met with large-scale military exercises by the PLA ETC that surrounded the island.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

8 months

Since the MND's report is difficult to interpret, I made a quick map showing the timing of the balloon movements included in today's report. Please forgive my editing skills!

Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

8 months

Multiple PRC Balloons fly over Taiwan: MND report states that 9x PLA aircraft and 4x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 2 of the aircraft entered the de-facto ADIZ. Additionally, 4 balloons were tracked, with three flying directly over Taiwan.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

The US State Department has approved the sale of Volcano Anti-Tank systems to Taiwan for ~$180 million. The Volcano is an anti-tank mine dispersal platform that can be mounted to ground vehicles or the UH-60 Blackhawk.

國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼

@MoNDefense

2 years

We express sincere gratitude to @StateDept to approve the #FMS , Volcano Anti-Tank systems, which is on the procedure of notifying @congressdotgov . The #FMS is based on the #TaiwanRelationsAct and #SixAssurances that strengthen our defense capabilities and maintain regional peace.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 month

Major ADIZ Violation MND report states that 36x PLA aircraft and 12x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 31 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. As assessed earlier, the MND confirms that 2x PLA UAVs circumnavigated Taiwan for the first time.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

I've said my piece regarding the idea of sanctioning Taiwan, but I want to talk about Taiwan's amphibious transport ships and what their purpose is. 1/8

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

I’m going to start a new 🧵 that will specifically track the PLA ETC drills around Taiwan which start today (Beijing time).

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

The PLA has undergone a significant shift in structure today. The Strategic Support Force (SSF), created in 2015, has been eliminated in favor of the Information Support Force (ISF):

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Joint Sword-2024A is over. The final count is as follows: ADIZ Violations: 82 Total aircraft tracked around Taiwan: 111 PLAN vessels tracked*: 46 CCG vessels tracked: 7

Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Major ADIZ Violation MND report states that 62x PLA aircraft and 27x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 47 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. This is tied for the 4th highest single-day total of ADIZ violations on record.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

Regarding two claims I am seeing: 1. This PLA activity has nothing to do with the earthquake, these flights took place many hours beforehand. 2. There are no signs that China is actively moving against Taiwan as a result of the earthquake.

Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

Major ADIZ Violation MND report states that 30x PLA aircraft and 9x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 20 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

Taiwan has been forced to operate without a guarantee that the United States would come to its defense. What right does the United States have to sanction Taiwan in order to coerce a change in their defense planning if we maintain strategic ambiguity?

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

Please stop with this. - They didn’t enter the airspace. - China is not attacking Taiwan. - The 6 aircraft weren’t even tracked East of the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan News 247

@TaiwanNews247

1 year

CHINA ATTACKING TAIWAN Today these Chinese military planes and vessels intruded into Taiwanese waters and airspace. 6 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m. #Taiwan #China #ChinaTaiwan Info from Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense @MoNDefense

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

I have no idea what the purpose of this tweet is other than to fish for engagement. This map is from two days ago, and does not provide any indication that a conflict is either about to happen or even remotely soon.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

11 months

I appreciate Tom's perspective, but I don't entirely agree. Taiwan's official ADIZ extends well into the mainland, but the MND doesn't use the entire ADIZ in its daily reports. The de-facto ADIZ that is actually used only covers the area to the east of the median line.

Tom Shugart

@tshugart3

11 months

PSA: PRC aircraft flying in Taiwan's ADIZ is not "coercion" of Taiwan. Taiwan's ADIZ extends well into China, so many PRC aircraft are in it as soon as they take off. In any case, ADIZ's don't even apply to military aircraft - and US military aircraft routinely operate in them.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

I’ve written recently about a troubling trend among US analysts in which they treat Taiwan like a subservient entity. This is the most overt example of this I have ever encountered.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

At the end of the day, as Mike said, a Taiwan contingency operation will be the most complex military operation ever undertaken. A ‘success’ will be followed by a years-long occupation against a hostile populace, and a failure puts the party’s legitimacy in jeopardy.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

If you’re so concerned about Taiwan’s capabilities, maybe push to expedite the billions of dollars in arms sales they’ve already ordered and are waiting on? Or the subsidization of additional procurements? You say Taiwan is important, I agree, so let’s give them what they need.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

I should add, this is the highest single-day number of median line crossings on record, beating 37 on 25 Dec 2022.

Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Major ADIZ Violation MND report states that 62x PLA aircraft and 27x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 47 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. This is tied for the 4th highest single-day total of ADIZ violations on record.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

9 months

Ah yes, the “anti-yemen coalition” created to protect those evil civilian vessels from drone and missile attacks. The PLA Navy has a presence in the region, maybe we should follow their example and do absolutely nothing to protect non-combatants from Houthi attacks.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

Debating the ‘when’ question is not nearly as important as continuing to support Taiwan’s defense (like addressing a $19 billion arms backlog), reducing Taipei’s diplomatic isolation, and actively working to increase Beijing’s perceived costs and risks of a conflict.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

We’ve hit 10 days in a row with 0 PLA aircraft in the ADIZ. This is the longest streak I’ve ever seen.

Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

0 PLA aircraft in the ADIZ today.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

There are a couple of things to note about today's report. First, adding today's number we have surpassed the March 2023 monthly total of ADIZ violations (122). The current total for March 2024 is 132. This is the highest total # of aircraft tracked in 1 month since Oct 2023.

Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

Large ADIZ Violation MND report states that 20x PLA aircraft and 8x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 14 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. English map included⬇️

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 month

Based on photos from both sides, it looks like the 2x PLA H-6Ks are from the 28th Air Regiment (10th Bomber Division) based at Anqing Air Base in Anhui. All four aircraft took off from Russia, however. Tail numbers: 20013, 20215

Oren Liebermann

@OrenCNN

1 month

What a shot! An F-16, F-35 and F-18 intercepting a Chinese H-6. And an F-16 and F-35 intercepting a Russian TU-95.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

Couple that with an unfathomable level of damage to global economy, whether China wins or loses, and a historically corrupt military operating under a structure less than 10 years old and with no combat experience in 4.5 decades. They need all the time they can get.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

If you want to counter a lodgment, you need to prevent sustainment. PLA is going to try and secure a port and use civ roro to move mass amounts of forces across the strait. Javs/stingers are not the solution to that problem. You need to survivable anti-ship platforms to start.

Alex Velez-Green

@Alex_agvg

1 year

Now, some say Javelins, Stingers, etc aren’t needed for TWN b/c it's game over if PRC gets a lodgment. But that’s not true. If TWN can contain lodgments & buy time for USFOR, it may still survive. To do so, it’ll need Javelins, Stingers & the like. 9/16

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 years

For reference, Article 15 reads: “NATO and Ukraine will develop a crisis consultative mechanism to consult together whenever Ukraine perceives a direct threat to its territorial integrity, political independence, of security.”

EndGameWW3 🇺🇸

@EndGameWW3

3 years

Update: According to Ukrainian media, "The NATO meeting tomorrow will take place on the initiative of Ukraine under Article 15 of the Special Cooperation between Ukraine and the Alliance."

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Major ADIZ violation MND report states that 38x PLA aircraft, 7x PLAN vessels, and 4x CCG vessels were tracked around #Taiwan today. 28 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

This entire thread is incorrect. The charts are counting the total number of aircraft tracked around Taiwan, not just in the ADIZ. See an example of a daily release⬇️ 13 PLA aircraft detected. *1* of the detected aircraft entered the ADIZ. Accurate datasets below.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

Taiwan is not a U.S. client, nor is it a free rider. If you want to make progress in assisting it’s defense, stop behaving like it doesn’t get an opinion on how it’s done.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

A quick markup of the exercise map showing the location of Taiwan's outlying islands:

Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

The most apparent difference between these zones and the August 2022 zones is the inclusion of the outlying islands. All of the islands named in the press release are circled:

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

I don’t understand the argument that claims the West is “distracted” by the war in Ukraine to the point where we are not effectively developing our position in Asia to deter/counter China. It’s not supported by facts.

Elbridge Colby

@ElbridgeColby

1 year

👌

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Major ADIZ Violation MND report states that 62x PLA aircraft and 27x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 47 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. This is tied for the 4th highest single-day total of ADIZ violations on record.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

U.S. Congressional delegation arrives in Taiwan.

外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼

@MOFA_Taiwan

3 months

. @HouseForeignGOP Chair @RepMcCaul leads 1st post inauguration #House delegation comprising @RepJimmyPanetta , @RepYoungKim , @RepHoulahan , @RepJoeWilson & @RepAndyBarr to #Taiwan 🇹🇼. Glad to host the timely visit dispatched by Speaker @MikeJohnson signaling strong #US 🇺🇸 support.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 years

@LoranceClint @realDonaldTrump Oh look, a murderer has an opinion.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

Can you imagine the damage this would do to Taiwan-US relations? Not to mention the dangerous message it would send to our allies and partners? All at time when we need our friends to stand with us to check Beijing’s ambitions.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

@KyleOlbert @erinhale That would be a major shift in the U.S. position on the issue and would undoubtedly cause major problems with little to no functional benefit. The last thing Beijing wants to here is the U.S. SecState saying Taiwan has any form of independence.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

70 PLA aircraft tracked operating around Taiwan, including 35 in the ADIZ. Multiple notes to follow but first and foremost. This is the first time J-15s have been tracked publicly in the ADIZ. These are carrier based aircraft based.

國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼

@MoNDefense

1 year

70 PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

5 months

We are dealing with a party that is obsessed with historical narratives, anniversaries, and milestone celebration, of course the party army is going to have a flashy sounding goal for its centennial.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

8 months

Another PRC balloon violated Taiwan's airspace. MND report states that 13x PLA aircraft and 5x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 1 of the aircraft (WZ-7) entered the de-facto ADIZ Additionally, 2x Balloons were tracked, with 1 flying over northern Taiwan.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

Or even better, call for the Biden administration to work more closely with Taipei to integrate our intervention planning with their defense planning, and begin a real, honest dialogue about expectations and needs. Wouldn’t that be more productive than dictating demands?

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Large ADIZ violation MND report states that 23x PLA aircraft and 7x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 19 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. 1x Unspecified UAV was tracked operating 39nm East of Hualien.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

I'm not sure what the source of this map is, but it looks like its depicting the August 2022 exercises. I would caution against using this as a reference for the current exercises.

Asaad Sam Hanna

@AsaadHannaa

1 year

Taiwan is currently fully encircled by the Chinese military. This includes 9 Chinese destroyers, an aircraft carrier, 71 fighter jets, and missile launchers.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

These latest PLA drills were different than what we’ve seen recently. Thanks for letting me contribute to this great piece @joyuwang !

China’s Fighter Jets Aren’t Just Flying Around Taiwan. They’re Practicing.

A surge in activity by the Chinese military shows it honing its ability to block the U.S. from responding to an invasion of the island.

www.wsj.com

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

The headline is quite misleading. According to the article, a part used in the manufacturing of the Hsiung Feng missile, not of the missile, was sent to be repaired in Switzerland and passed through Qingdao on its return. The parts were checked, no security concerns were found.

Taiwan News

@TaiwanNewsEN

2 years

Swiss firm sends Taiwan's 'carrier killer' devices to China for repairs

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

Quick note about this. We don’t know the exact number of aircraft that crossed the Median Line. Realistically, anywhere between 37-43 could realistically have been tracked depending on the breakdown of the three flight paths. Many thanks to @alexoatmeal for making this for me!

Reuters

@Reuters

2 years

Taiwan says 43 Chinese air force planes crossed Taiwan Strait median line

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

19 days

With todays report, we have surpassed the total number of ADIZ violations tracked in 2023. 2023 - 1,703 2024 to date - 1,709 This is the result of a significant, arguably unprecedented escalation in the intensity of PLA activity since President Lai’s inauguration in May.

Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

19 days

MND report states that 13x PLA aircraft and 10x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 11 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

71 aircraft tracked around Taiwan, including 45 over the median line and in the SW ADIZ. Multiple notes to make about this.

國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼

@MoNDefense

1 year

71 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

6 months

Large ADIZ Violation MND report states that 26x PLA aircraft and 10x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 18 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. This is the largest single-day total of ADIZ violations since 02 November 2023 (20).

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

6 months

I’m very proud to share this piece. China’s coercive military activities have made the military situation around Taiwan unpredictable and dangerous. Taipei and Washington need to take a more proactive approach to protecting the status quo.

New York Times Opinion

@nytopinion

6 months

“America’s strategic attention is being consumed by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. But if the United States takes its eye off the perilous situation facing Taiwan, there soon may be no lines left for China to cross,” @officialben_l . Read:

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

3 months

Major ADIZ Violation MND report states that 49x PLA aircraft, 19x PLAN vessels, and 7x CCG vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 35 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ. This is the highest single-day total of ADIZ violations so far in 2024.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

10 months

There is no evidence that these drills are encircling Taiwan. What we have seen so far is very similar to what we saw in September, which are exercises in WestPac and aircraft flying through the ADIZ in support of forces in WestPac.

Ian Ellis

@ianellisjones

10 months

China launches major military exercises encircling Taiwan🚨 37 PLA aircraft violated Taiwan's air defense zone—the 5th most this year. 11+ warships—including a carrier strike group & surface action group(s)—underway east of the island. Day 1 of unannounced, unscheduled drills:

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

9 months

MND report states that 20x PLA aircraft and 9x PLAN vessels were tracked around Taiwan today. 1 of the aircraft entered the de-facto ADIZ. 1x ship-launched Z-9 ASW was tracked in the Eastern ADIZ.

國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼

@MoNDefense

9 months

20 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. 1 of the detected aircraft (Z-9 ASW) had entered Taiwan’s SE ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and tasked appropriate forces to respond.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

7 months

Incredibly excited to be part of this project. @PLATracker is the new home of the Taiwan ADIZ Tracker and has 4 brand new datasets open for everyone!

PLATracker

@PLATracker

7 months

Today is the official launch of PLATracker, a site dedicated to providing data-driven analysis of Chinese military activity and regional security developments in Asia.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

28 aircraft in the ADIZ, mostly fighters spread along the Median Line. What’s interesting is the UAVs. 3x BZK-005s, two on the Median Line and one flying an extended route to the Southern ADIZ area along with 2x H-6.

國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼

@MoNDefense

2 years

57 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

Thrilled to contribute to the Asia Unbound blog from @CFR_org . Many thanks to @DavidMSacks1 for the opportunity!

China’s Recent ADIZ Violations Have Changed the Status Quo in the Taiwan Strait

Chinese military flights near Taiwan have important implications for cross-strait stability.

www.cfr.org

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

7 months

JAN 2023 ADIZ Report We are 3 days into February, which means it’s time for the January ADIZ report. Apologies for the delay! January had the lowest level of ADIZ activity since July 2022 but saw some significant developments. Map by @detresfa_

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

I find it interesting that an “unbiased” and “non-governmental organization” is able to share information from the Chinese side so quickly that they beat the PRC MFA to the punch. Great work promoting transparency! 👍🏼👍🏼

SCS Probing Initiative

@SCS_PI

1 year

As far as we know, CCG gave access to the the first Philippines supply boat with food, water, medicine and other equipment as usual, and prevented the second military-escorted supply boat carrying building materials .

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

DEC 2022 ADIZ REPORT Happy new year everyone! The end of 2022 saw a large and diverse number of aircraft in Taiwan's ADIZ. This is a long report, and Twitter only lets you post 20 tweets at a time, so one-half will be added to the thread at a time.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

6 months

This is smart move. As Beijing continues to escalate its coercive actions, we need to do everything we can to assist Taiwan in developing the forces and capabilities necessary to deter further aggression.

Keoni Everington

@keverington

6 months

‘’In an unprecedented move, US Special forces troops will be permanently stationed in Taiwan‘’

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

8 months

There is so much wrong this this, but I'll save my sanity and keep it brief. This is a dangerous accusation that feeds into Chinese misinformation efforts about the incident. It is wildly irresponsible for the @kuomintang to make a statement like this.

中國國民黨 KMT

@kuomintang

8 months

Don’t Look Up? In Aug '22 PLA missile overflew Taipei and DPP govt didn’t sound the alarm. Three days before presidential election, DPP govt sends multiple missile alerts. Misinformation? Campaign strategy? National security matters should be immune from political campaigns.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

Large-scale ADIZ Violation: 22 PLA aircraft tracked over the median line and in the SW ADIZ. This map shows a new flight path from a WZ-7 UAV which flew to the East of Taiwan, exited the ADIZ, then returned. The Japanese MoD will almost certainly have tracked this.

國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼

@MoNDefense

1 year

37 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

6 years

I am extraordinarily exited to announce that I have been accepted to the Clarkson University Class of 2023! I am so excited to begin the next chapter of my life! Thank you to all the people who have supported me and pushed me towards achieving this goal.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

There is, quite literally, not a shred of evidence to support this claim.

Elbridge Colby

@ElbridgeColby

1 year

It's definitely not beyond the realm of possibility

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

As the piece below mentions, Lai is going to transit the U.S. in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see if there is an uptick in PLA activity around that time. As for now, I would pay close attention to the PLA’s response to Han Kuang, which begins next week.

William Yang

@WilliamYang120

1 year

“US officials have asked #Taiwan to clarify the presidential front-runner’s contentious remarks about White House visits, highlighting doubts over his approach to relations with China if he secures victory in January’s poll.”

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

MND reports 91 aircraft operating around Taiwan, including 54 that crossed the median line, entered the SW and Eastern ADIZ. I have a lot of notes about this release, so standby!

國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼

@MoNDefense

1 year

91 PLA aircraft and 12 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

6 years

Said goodbye to the best dog a person could ask for. Rest easy Lucy.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 month

MND report states that 22x PLA aircraft, 9x PLAN vessels, and 1x Official ship were tracked around Taiwan today. 12 of the aircraft entered the de facto ADIZ.

國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼

@MoNDefense

1 month

22 PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 12 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

2 years

SEPT 2022 ADIZ REPORT It’s the last day of September, which means it’s time for the monthly report on Taiwan ADIZ violations. The biggest development this month was the public tracking of PLA UAVs by the @MoNDefense starting on 9/5/2022.

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Ben Lewis 🇺🇦

@OfficialBen_L

1 year

Glad to contribute a small part to this article by @amy_changchien and @heguisen . Great comments by @BonnieGlaser , @ChongJaIan , and @kharisborloff !

Taiwan’s President Heads to the U.S., Bracing for China’s Retaliation (Published 2023)

President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to meet Speaker Kevin McCarthy next week, risking a show of force from Beijing, which opposes any such exchanges.

www.nytimes.com

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