Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Aircraft and Ships Near Its Borders
The Ministry of National Defence (MND) of Taiwan reported that it detected eight Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 am on Saturday and 6 am on Sunday. Of these, six aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan sent its own aircraft and naval ships to monitor the situation.
On Saturday, China sent 15 military aircraft and seven naval vessels towards Taiwan. Of these, 10 aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. Taiwan’s MND has been closely monitoring these activities and responding accordingly.
This recent activity is part of a series of similar actions by China in recent months. China has increased its military presence near Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island. 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 the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan without resorting to direct and sizable use of force. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949, but China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government and is not controlled by China.
Chinese military aircraft -: These are planes used by China’s army. They can be used for defense or attack.
naval vessels -: These are ships used by the navy, which is the part of the military that fights at sea.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a part of Taiwan’s government that takes care of the country’s safety and defense.
Taiwan Strait median line -: This is an imaginary line in the water between Taiwan and China. It helps to keep peace by marking where each side’s military should stay.
monitor -: To monitor means to watch closely. Taiwan is watching the Chinese military to see what they are doing.
increased military presence -: This means that China is sending more of its military forces, like planes and ships, near Taiwan than usual.