Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence has reported a significant increase in activity by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait. As of 6 am local time on Saturday, 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 naval vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were detected operating in the region.
According to the Ministry, 11 of the PLA aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). This line is an unofficial boundary in the Taiwan Strait that both sides usually respect to avoid conflicts. Taiwan’s military closely monitored the situation and responded promptly to this incursion.
In a post on X, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said, “18 PLA aircraft and 13 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
On Friday, the Ministry reported that 17 Chinese military aircraft and 11 naval vessels were operating near Taiwan from 6 am Thursday to 6 am Friday local time. Although the Ministry did not specify the types of aircraft or vessels involved, it assured the public that the situation was under close surveillance.
Incursions by PLA military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s ADIZ are not uncommon, but the frequency has increased, escalating tensions in the region. This activity reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China, with each side maintaining a watchful eye on the other’s movements.
On July 30, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te accused the Chinese government of misinterpreting a United Nations resolution to justify its military activities against Taiwan. He condemned China for inaccurately interpreting UN Resolution 2758, which China uses to support its “One China” principle.
During the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taipei, President Lai said that China’s actions aim to “construct a legal basis for China’s military aggression against Taiwan” and to obstruct Taiwan’s efforts to participate in international organizations. He stressed the importance of accurately understanding and implementing international resolutions to avoid conflicts and ensure regional stability.
The Ministry of National Defence has reassured the public that Taiwan’s military is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to any further incursions. The ongoing surveillance and prompt responses highlight Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and maintaining peace in the region.
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