Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported significant Chinese military activity around the nation. Between 6 am on Friday and 6 am on Saturday (local time), the MND observed 30 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels operating near Taiwan’s territory.
Out of these aircraft, 23 entered Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). These aircraft came as close as 72 kilometers from Eluanbi in the south and 77 kilometers from Keelung in the north, as per a Taiwan News report.
In response to China’s actions, Taiwan sent out combat patrol aircraft and naval vessels. They also deployed land-based air defence missile systems to keep an eye on Beijing’s activities. The MND made a post on X, stating, “30 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 23 aircraft entered Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
This incident is part of an ongoing pattern. In July alone, Taiwan’s MND tracked Chinese military aircraft 131 times and naval vessels 35 times. Since September 2020, China has increased its use of “gray zone tactics” around Taiwan. These tactics, described by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), involve efforts to achieve security goals without using direct and sizable force.
ALSO READ: “Taiwan Reports Heightened Chinese Military Activity Near Its Territory”
The latest incident adds to several similar provocations by China in recent months. China’s military activities around Taiwan have increased, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island.
Taiwan has been governed independently from China since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. This has led to ongoing tensions between the two sides, with each new incident adding to the strain.
As Taiwan continues to monitor and respond to China’s military maneuvers, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for conflict in the region. The situation remains tense, with both sides preparing for any eventuality.
Comments