Taiwan Reports Presence of Chinese Jets and Ships Near ADIZ
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has reported that 11 Chinese military aircraft and 7 naval vessels were detected near its territory over the past 24 hours. According to the latest update, nine of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), raising security concerns.
Taiwan responded by deploying combat air patrol aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems to monitor the situation and secure its airspace. This is part of a consistent pattern of increased activity by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province. Taiwan, however, continues to operate as a de facto independent country with a democratic government.
Military Readiness Ramped Up
The alert from Taiwan comes at a time when the country is conducting its annual Han Kuang military drills, which are focused on strengthening the island’s defensive capabilities. The 2025 edition of the drills includes both live-fire exercises and simulated cyberattacks to test the country’s civil and military coordination during a potential conflict.
This year’s exercises are notably extensive and include deployment of newly inducted weapon systems such as HIMARS rocket systems and locally developed anti-ship and air defence missiles. Civil defence drills involving local residents are also being conducted to improve emergency response mechanisms.
China-Taiwan Tensions Continue
Chinese military movements near Taiwan have become more frequent in recent years, especially following high-level visits by foreign political leaders to Taipei. Beijing has repeatedly expressed its opposition to such moves, calling them provocations. Taiwan, on the other hand, views China’s military drills and fly-bys as acts of intimidation.
In the coming days, Taiwan is expected to remain on high alert as the Han Kuang drills continue and the Chinese military maintains a strong presence near the Taiwan Strait.
