Taiwan Detects 28 Chinese Military Aircraft and 10 Naval Vessels Near Its Territory
On August 10, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that it detected 28 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval vessels near its territory. From 6 am on Friday to 6 am on Saturday, 22 of these aircraft entered Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Details of the Incident
Of the 28 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 22 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southeastern and southwestern ADIZ. Taiwan’s MND monitored the situation and responded by sending aircraft and naval ships, and deploying coastal-based missile systems.
Official Statement
In a statement on X, Taiwan’s MND said, “28 PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 22 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southeastern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Recent Provocations
This incident is part of a series of similar actions by China in recent months. China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island. On Friday, Taiwan’s MND reported that 18 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels were operating from 6 am on Thursday to 6 am on Friday. Of these, 12 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s ADIZ.
Background
Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949, but China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located off the southeastern coast of China. It has its own government and operates like an independent country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Chinese Military Aircraft -: These are airplanes used by China’s armed forces. They can be used for various purposes like defense, attack, or surveillance.
Naval Vessels -: Naval vessels are ships used by a country’s navy. They can include warships, submarines, and other types of military boats.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a government department in Taiwan responsible for managing the country’s defense and military activities.
Air Defence Identification Zone -: This is an area of airspace over land or water where a country tries to identify and control aircraft for security reasons. It helps protect the country from potential threats.
Missile Systems -: These are weapons designed to be launched and travel long distances to hit targets. They can be used for defense or attack.
Reunification -: Reunification means bringing together parts of a country that have been separated. In this context, it refers to China’s goal of making Taiwan part of China again.