Taiwan Detects Chinese Military Aircraft and Naval Vessels Near Its Territory
On Sunday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that it detected 12 Chinese military aircraft and 8 naval vessels from 6 am Saturday to 6 am Sunday. Seven of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a post on X, Taiwan’s MND stated, “12 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 4 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
This incident adds to a series of similar provocations 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.
Earlier on Saturday, the Taiwanese MND detected 38 PLA (People’s Liberation Army) aircraft and 12 PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) vessels around its territory. The MND stated that 32 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s Eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
“38 PLA aircraft and 12 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 32 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,” the Defence Ministry stated.
Notably, Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, 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 military forces. They can be used for various purposes, including defense, surveillance, and combat.
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.
Median Line of the Taiwan Strait -: The median line is an imaginary line in the Taiwan Strait that separates the waters between Taiwan and China. Crossing this line can be seen as a provocative action.
Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) -: An ADIZ is an area of airspace over land or water where a country tries to identify and control aircraft for security reasons. Taiwan has its own ADIZ to monitor and protect its airspace.
1949 -: In 1949, after a civil war in China, the losing side retreated to Taiwan and set up their own government. Since then, Taiwan has been governed separately from China.
