China’s Satellite Launch and Military Activity Near Taiwan
On October 23, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that China launched satellites from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The flight path crossed over Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND assured that the altitude was beyond the atmosphere, posing no threat, and that the ROC Armed Forces monitored the situation.
Additionally, China increased its military presence near Taiwan, with 15 aircraft and six naval vessels detected by 6 am. Eleven of these aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed Combat Air Patrol aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems.
Earlier, on October 20, Taiwan reported the passage of United States and Canadian naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait. The ROC Armed Forces maintained control over the area, ensuring normal conditions.
This activity is part of ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, as China views Taiwan as part of its territory, despite Taiwan’s independent governance since 1949.
Doubts Revealed
Xichang Satellite Launch Center -: The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is a place in China where they send satellites into space. It’s like a big spaceport where rockets are launched.
ADIZ -: ADIZ stands for Air Defense Identification Zone. It’s an area where countries keep an eye on aircraft to make sure they are not a threat. Taiwan has its own ADIZ to monitor the skies around it.
ROC Armed Forces -: ROC stands for the Republic of China, which is another name for Taiwan. The ROC Armed Forces are the military forces of Taiwan, responsible for protecting the country.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It’s an important and sometimes tense area because both Taiwan and China have interests there.
US and Canadian naval vessels -: Naval vessels are ships used by a country’s navy. The US and Canadian naval vessels mentioned are ships from the United States and Canada that were sailing through the Taiwan Strait.
