Taipei: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported increased Chinese military activity near its territory on Sunday, highlighting a pattern of escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the MND revealed, “5 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Three of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
5 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/QQtU3pAF93
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 29, 2024
The report follows similar military movements on Saturday, during which seven Chinese aircraft and five naval vessels were detected near Taiwan. According to the MND, “7 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
7 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/xNQwamafue
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 28, 2024
Reinforcement of Defense Capabilities
In a separate update, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence announced the opening of new barracks at the ROC Army Airborne Training Center. The facility, equipped with advanced training methods and gear, aims to enhance the combat readiness of paratroopers and special warfare units.
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International Response and Criticism
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently criticized China’s aggressive stance towards Taiwan, warning of broader implications for global security. “China is bullying Taiwan and pursuing access to critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple societies,” Rutte said. He emphasized the expansion of China’s military capabilities, including its nuclear arsenal, projecting an increase from 200 warheads in 2020 to over 1,000 by 2030. “We need to be clear-eyed about China’s ambitions. Its space-launch investments are skyrocketing, and its actions threaten not just Taiwan but global stability,” he added.
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Rising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait
The Taiwan Strait remains a flashpoint of geopolitical tension, with Taipei repeatedly condemning Beijing’s intensified military operations as a threat to its sovereignty and regional peace. China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, continues to assert its goal of eventual reunification, including the potential use of force.
