Taiwan‘s Ministry of National Defense (MND) report that as of 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official ship were detected operating near the island.
Seven aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the southwestern part of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), as per Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND). Taiwan responded by deployed coastal-based missiles and disptched aircraft to closely moniter the sitution.
“18 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ, we have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” said by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), in a post on X.
The recent Chinese military actions are a continuation of rising tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing frequently conducting military operations near the island. Taiwan has maintained de facto independence since 1949, but China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and asserts that reunification, by force if necessary, remains a long-term objective.
Taiwan responded to Chinese military incursions, by increased security along its maritime borders. On Thursday, Taiwan’s armed forces carried out an extensive air defense drill, as reports indicate that China is preparing for its third major military exercise, Joint Sword-2024C, near the island.
The exercise, which included air, naval, and missile defense units, was held to enhance preparedness against potential aerial and missile threats, as per Taiwan News report.
The Air Force Command reported that the exercise took place from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., involving fighter jets, naval ships, and air defense missile systems. Aircraft including the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16, and C-130 transport planes were deployed, alongside ground-based air defense missile units.
Recently, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te attended the inauguration of the ROCN Shuei-Sing Barracks, which will become the new headquarters for the Taiwanese Navy Underwater Operations Unit and bolster its training capabilities.