Taiwan Monitors 22 Chinese Aircraft and 7 Naval Vessels Near Its Territory
On July 20, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported high military activity around its territory. The MND detected 22 Chinese aircraft and 7 naval vessels operating near Taiwan. Seventeen of these aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a statement, the MND said, “22 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 17 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Earlier in the week, on Thursday, Taiwan reported detecting 20 Chinese aircraft and 6 naval vessels around the Taiwan Strait. Ten of these aircraft crossed the median line, which serves as an informal boundary between Taiwan and China.
The increased military activity is part of China’s ongoing pressure campaign against Taiwan, which it views as a renegade province. These actions have raised concerns among international observers and partners of Taiwan.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located off the southeastern coast of China. It has its own government and operates like a separate country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Chinese aircraft -: Chinese aircraft are airplanes that belong to China. In this context, they are military planes that can be used for defense or attack.
Naval vessels -: Naval vessels are ships that belong to a country’s navy. They are used for military purposes, like protecting the country or attacking enemies.
Ministry of National Defence -: The Ministry of National Defence is a part of the government in Taiwan that is responsible for the country’s defense and military activities.
Median line -: The median line is an imaginary line in the sea that separates the territories of two countries. In this case, it separates Taiwan and China.
Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) -: The Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) is an area in the sky where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its security. If planes enter this zone, they must identify themselves.
Pressure campaign -: A pressure campaign is when one country uses various actions, like military movements, to try to influence or intimidate another country.
International observers -: International observers are people or organizations from different countries who watch and report on events happening in the world. They help others understand what is going on globally.