Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has reported a rise in Chinese military presence around the island. As of 6 am today, 12 aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and seven vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were detected near Taiwan. Notably, eight of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
The MND shared on social media, "12 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."
Earlier, on Sunday, the MND detected eight PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels, with four aircraft crossing the median line into Taiwan's ADIZ in both the northern and southwestern regions. The MND assured that the situation is being closely monitored and responded to accordingly.
In response to increased Chinese incursions, Taiwan has enhanced security on its maritime borders. On Friday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te attended the completion ceremony for the Shuei-Sing Barracks, a new base for the Taiwanese Navy Underwater Operations Unit, aimed at boosting training capabilities.
Additionally, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the US, Japan, and Australia for their joint statement advocating for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This statement followed the 14th Trilateral Defence Ministers' Meeting in Darwin, Australia, where defence ministers from the three nations reaffirmed their commitment to regional security.
PLA stands for the People's Liberation Army, which is the combined military forces of China, including its army, navy, and air force.
PLAN stands for the People's Liberation Army Navy, which is the naval warfare branch of China's military forces.
The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates the island of Taiwan from mainland China. It is an important and often sensitive area due to the political tensions between China and Taiwan.
ADIZ stands for Air Defense Identification Zone. It is an area where countries monitor and control aircraft for security reasons, even if it is outside their national airspace.
The median line in the Taiwan Strait is an unofficial boundary that separates the airspace and waters between Taiwan and China. It is meant to prevent military confrontations.
Lai Ching-te is a political leader in Taiwan. He is the President of Taiwan, which is a position similar to the Prime Minister in India.
A naval base is a place where a country's navy keeps its ships and other equipment. It is also where naval personnel live and work.
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