Taiwan Detects 35 Chinese Military Aircraft and 7 Naval Vessels Near Its Territory

From 6 am on Wednesday to 6 am on Thursday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported spotting 35 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan. Out of these, 33 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in various regions.

In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor the situation. The MND shared this information in a post on X, stating, “35 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 33 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

Throughout June, Taiwan has detected Chinese military aircraft 371 times and naval/coast guard vessels 204 times. Since September 2020, China has increased its military presence near Taiwan, using grey zone tactics to assert its objectives without direct force.

On June 25, Taiwan’s Coast Guard (CGA) monitored four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in restricted waters near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands. The CGA dispatched three patrol boats to monitor the Chinese vessels until they left the area. The CCG claimed its actions were legal and aimed at ensuring fishing rights and security within China’s territory, which it claims includes Taiwan.