Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Aircraft and Naval Vessels Near Its Territory
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that from 6 am on Thursday to 6 am on Friday, 18 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels were operating near Taiwan. Of these, 12 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the activity. Taiwan’s MND stated, “18 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. today. 12 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southeastern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
This incident is part of a series of increased military activities by China around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions and military exercises. Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics, which aim to achieve security objectives without direct and sizable use of force.
Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949, but China considers it part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. On Thursday, Taiwan’s MND also reported that 27 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels were operating near its territory, with 17 aircraft crossing the median line and entering Taiwan’s southwestern 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 planes used by China’s army. They can be used for fighting or spying.
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 Taiwan’s government that takes care of the country’s safety and military.
Median Line of the Taiwan Strait -: This is an imaginary line in the water between Taiwan and China. It helps keep peace by marking where each side should stay.
Air Defence Identification Zone -: This is an area in the sky where Taiwan watches for any planes that might be a threat.
Missile Systems -: These are weapons that can shoot missiles, which are like big, powerful rockets used in war.
Increased Military Activities -: This means that there are more actions by the military, like flying planes or moving ships, than usual.
