Taiwan Detects Chinese Military Aircraft and Ships Near Its Borders
Between Sunday and Monday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected nine Chinese military aircraft and four naval vessels around Taiwan. Eight of these aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
According to the MND, this activity is part of a series of increased military actions by China near Taiwan. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked 407 Chinese military aircraft and 206 ships.
Since September 2020, China has been using gray zone tactics, which involve increasing military presence without direct force. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949, but China claims it as part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification.
Background
Earlier in July, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te accused China of misinterpreting a United Nations resolution to justify its military activities against Taiwan. Beijing claims the UN resolution supports its ‘One China’ principle, which states that Taiwan is part of China.
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, 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.
median line -: The median line is an imaginary line in the sea that is often used to separate the territories of two countries. In this case, it separates Taiwan and China.
air defense zone -: An air defense zone is an area where a country monitors and controls the air traffic to protect its airspace from potential threats.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a government department in Taiwan responsible for managing the country’s defense and military affairs.
reunification -: Reunification means bringing together two parts that were separated. In this context, China wants Taiwan to become part of China again.