Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Activity: 14 Aircraft and 7 Naval Vessels Detected
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported that 14 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval vessels, and 2 official ships were detected around Taiwan from Wednesday to Thursday.
According to Taiwan’s MND, 13 of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.
Taking to X, Taiwan MND stated, “14 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.”
This latest incursion 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.
Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating near Taiwan. Gray zone tactics are considered “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.”
Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
Earlier on September 3, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) accused China of launching a satellite over Taiwan with its flight path passing over the southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) of the island nation. Taiwan MND said that the satellite launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) posed “no threat” to the nation, adding that Taiwan Armed Forces monitored the whole process and are ready to respond if the need arises.
“At 09:20 a.m.(UTC+8), #PLA launched a satellite from #XSLC, with its flight path passing over our southwestern ADIZ. Poses no threat to us, the flight path flew toward the West Pacific Ocean. #ROCArmedForces monitored the whole process and are ready to respond if necessary,” Taiwan’s MND stated in a post on X.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government and is known for its technology and electronics.
Chinese military -: The Chinese military is the armed forces of China. They have soldiers, aircraft, ships, and other equipment to protect their country.
Ministry of National Defence -: The Ministry of National Defence is a part of Taiwan’s government that takes care of the country’s safety and military matters.
median line of the Taiwan Strait -: The median line of the Taiwan Strait is an imaginary line in the water that separates Taiwan and China. It helps to keep peace by marking a boundary.
Air Defence Identification Zone -: The Air Defence Identification Zone is an area where a country watches for aircraft to make sure they are not a threat. Taiwan has one to protect its airspace.
naval vessels -: Naval vessels are ships used by a country’s navy. They help protect the country and can be used in battles at sea.
coastal missile systems -: Coastal missile systems are weapons placed near the coast. They can shoot missiles to defend against enemy ships or aircraft.
satellite launches -: Satellite launches are when a country sends satellites into space. These can be used for communication, weather monitoring, or spying.
gray zone tactics -: Gray zone tactics are actions that are not quite war but are meant to create pressure or confusion. They can include things like cyber attacks or sending ships close to another country’s waters.