Taipei: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported a significant military presence as 27 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels were detected operating in close proximity to Taiwan from 6 a.m. local time on Sunday to 6 a.m. on Monday. This surge in activity underscores ongoing tensions in the region and highlights the heightened vigilance of Taiwanese defense forces in monitoring potential incursions.
The MND stated that 19 aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In a post on X, the ministry noted, “27 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 19 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
This surge in Chinese military activity marks another instance in a series of similar provocations by Beijing in recent months. Just a day prior, on Sunday, the MND reported that four Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels were also detected around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday. During that period, two PLA aircraft crossed the median line.
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In a statement on X, Taiwan’s MND added, “4 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Following a three-day lull in Chinese military activity, Taiwan again detected the presence of Chinese aircraft and naval vessels on Saturday, according to the MND.
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China has ramped up its military activities near Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and conducting military exercises in proximity to the island. Since September 2020, Beijing has employed gray zone tactics, incrementally increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan.
