Increased Chinese Military Activity Near Taiwan
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported significant Chinese military activity around its borders. On Sunday, nine aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), five vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and one official ship were detected. Six of these aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a statement, Taiwan’s MND confirmed, “9 PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.”
On the previous day, Saturday, the MND detected 12 Chinese aircraft and five vessels. Nine of these aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ.
General Kevin Schneider, US Commander of Pacific Air Forces, noted a 300% increase in Chinese incursions since May. He highlighted that these actions test the administration of US president-elect Donald Trump. From May to November last year, Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan’s ADIZ 335 times, compared to at least 1,085 times this year.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It is a place with its own government, but China claims it as part of its territory.
PLA -: PLA stands for People’s Liberation Army, which is the military force of China. It includes the army, navy, and air force.
PLAN -: PLAN stands for People’s Liberation Army Navy, which is the naval branch of China’s military forces.
ADIZ -: ADIZ stands for Air Defense Identification Zone. It is an area where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its security.
Median line -: The median line is an imaginary line in the sea that separates the territories of two countries. In this case, it separates Taiwan and China.
US General Kevin Schneider -: US General Kevin Schneider is a high-ranking officer in the United States military. He is responsible for overseeing military operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Incursions -: Incursions refer to instances where military forces enter another country’s territory without permission. In this context, it means Chinese military forces entering areas near Taiwan.
