Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Activity Near Its Borders
On October 9, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported the detection of 12 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and one official ship operating around Taiwan within the past 24 hours. Nine of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in various regions. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor the situation.
In a statement on social media, Taiwan’s MND confirmed the detection and response to the Chinese military presence. This activity is part of a broader pattern, as China has sent 68 military aircraft and 31 ships around Taiwan so far in October. Since September 2020, China has increased its military presence around Taiwan as part of its gray zone tactics, which aim to achieve security objectives without direct force.
Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, but China views it as part of its territory, advocating for reunification. On October 4, Taiwan’s President William Lai emphasized that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) cannot be considered the “Motherland” of Taiwan’s people, asserting the sovereignty of the Republic of China (ROC) over Taiwan and its surrounding islands.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like an independent country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Chinese Military Activity -: This refers to actions taken by China’s armed forces, such as flying aircraft or sailing ships, near Taiwan. It can be seen as a show of strength or a way to intimidate Taiwan.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is an important and often tense area because of the political situation between Taiwan and China.
Air Defense Zones -: These are areas in the sky where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its airspace. If foreign aircraft enter without permission, it can be seen as a threat.
Gray Zone Tactics -: These are actions that are aggressive but stop short of open warfare. They are used to pressure or intimidate another country without starting a full-scale conflict.
Sovereignty -: Sovereignty means having full control over your own territory and government. Taiwan’s President is saying that Taiwan is its own country and not part of China.
President William Lai -: William Lai is a political leader in Taiwan. He holds the position of President, which means he is the head of the government in Taiwan.
