Taiwan Detects 36 Chinese Military Aircraft and 8 Naval Vessels Near Its Borders
August 7, Taipei, Taiwan: The Taiwan Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that 36 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected around Taiwan in the last 24 hours until 6 am on Wednesday.
Out of the 36 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 31 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor the situation.
In a post on X, Taiwan MND stated, “36 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 31 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.”
So far in August, Taiwan has detected Chinese military aircraft 128 times and naval ships 62 times. Since September 2020, China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island.
Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949, but China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
Earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan’s MND reported that 21 Chinese military aircraft were detected from 6 am on Monday to 6 am on Tuesday. Of these, 18 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s ADIZ.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government, but China says it is part of China.
Chinese Military Aircraft -: These are airplanes used by China’s army. They can be used for defense or attack.
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 the government in Taiwan 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 is like a border in the sea.
ADIZ -: ADIZ stands for Air Defense Identification Zone. It is an area where a country watches for airplanes to protect its airspace.
Missile Systems -: These are weapons that can be launched to hit targets far away. They are used for defense and attack.
Increased Chinese Military Activities -: This means that China is doing more military actions, like flying planes and sailing ships, near Taiwan.
