Taiwan Detects 4 Chinese Military Aircraft, 6 Naval Vessels Near Its Territory
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Sunday that it detected four Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating around its territory between 6 am Saturday and 6 am Sunday local time.
The renewed activity by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) comes after three days of relative calm around Taiwan.
Chinese Aircraft Cross Taiwan Strait Median Line
According to the MND, two of the detected PLA aircraft crossed the sensitive Taiwan Strait median line, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). This breach has become a frequent occurrence, as Chinese forces regularly challenge Taiwan’s airspace.
Taiwan’s defense forces monitored the situation closely and responded to the incursions, which were part of broader Chinese military maneuvers in the region. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the MND confirmed the detection of the aircraft and vessels, stating, “We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Increase in Chinese Military Activity
Earlier, Taiwan had detected 13 Chinese military aircraft and three naval vessels near its territory on Saturday. Eight of the aircraft also crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ, further escalating tensions. Prior to these incidents, no Chinese military activity was recorded around Taiwan from October 1 to 4.
China has been steadily increasing its military operations near Taiwan in recent months, a pattern that includes regular air and naval incursions. This uptick is part of a larger strategy known as “gray zone tactics,” in which Beijing incrementally escalates its military presence to exert pressure on Taiwan.
Since September 2020, Taiwan has witnessed a sharp rise in Chinese military exercises and incursions, heightening regional tensions and prompting defensive responses from Taiwan’s armed forces.
