Chinese Military Activity Near Taiwan
Detection of Chinese Military Forces
From 6 am on Sunday to 6 am on Monday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected 21 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official ship operating near Taiwan. Sixteen of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan’s Response
In response to these incursions, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the activity of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Taiwan’s MND shared this information on X, stating, “21 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation.”
Ongoing Tensions
This incident is part of a series of provocations by Beijing, which has increased its military activities around Taiwan since September 2020. These activities include regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island. China uses gray zone tactics, which are efforts to achieve security objectives without direct and sizable use of force.
Political Statements
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated that China’s goal of annexing Taiwan is not about territorial integrity but about transforming the global order and achieving hegemony. He questioned why China does not reclaim land ceded to Russia under the Treaty of Aigun if territorial integrity is the issue. Lai reiterated that Taiwan cannot agree to the ‘One China’ principle of the ‘1992 consensus’ as it would mean ceding Taiwan’s sovereignty to China. He also affirmed his commitment to modernizing military training and advancing Taiwan’s submarine-building program.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government and is not controlled by China.
Chinese Military Aircraft -: These are airplanes used by China’s army. They can be used for defense or attacks.
Naval Vessels -: These are ships used by the navy, which is the part of the military that fights on the sea.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a part of Taiwan’s government that takes care of the country’s safety and defense.
Median Line of the Taiwan Strait -: This is an imaginary line in the water between Taiwan and China. It helps to keep peace by marking where each side should stay.
Air Defence Identification Zone -: This is an area in the sky where Taiwan watches for any aircraft that might be a threat.
Missile Systems -: These are weapons that can be launched to hit targets far away. They are used for defense.
President Lai Ching-te -: He is the leader of Taiwan. He makes important decisions for the country.
Global Order -: This means the way countries around the world interact and follow rules to keep peace.
Territorial Integrity -: This means keeping a country’s borders safe and not letting other countries take over any part of it.