Taiwan Monitors Chinese Aircraft and Ships Near Its Territory
On August 19, Taiwan detected eight Chinese aircraft and nine vessels near its territory. Four of these aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s Eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence monitored the situation and responded accordingly.
Earlier on Sunday, Taiwan detected seven Chinese military aircraft and 15 naval vessels between 6 am on Saturday and 6 am on Sunday. Seven aircraft and three naval vessels crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southeastern ADIZ. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the activity.
This latest incident is part of 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. Chinese aggression has increased since the visit by former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in 2022.
Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949, but China considers it part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked over 300 PLA aircraft and around 200 Chinese ships. Since September 2020, China has increased its use of grey zone tactics, which are efforts to achieve security objectives without direct and sizable use of force.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government, but China says it belongs to them.
Chinese aircraft -: These are planes that belong to China. They can be used for travel or military purposes.
vessels -: Vessels are large boats or ships. They can be used for transport or military activities.
Eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) -: This is a special area in the sky where Taiwan watches for any planes that come close. It helps them know if any planes are getting too near.
Ministry of Defence -: This is a part of the government in Taiwan that takes care of the country’s safety and military.
tensions -: Tensions mean that there are problems or conflicts between two places. In this case, it means Taiwan and China are not getting along well.
