Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Activity Near Its Territory
On October 20, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported the detection of six Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels near Taiwan until 6 am local time. Two of these aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND assured that the situation was being monitored and responded to accordingly.
This activity is part of ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, but China views it as part of its territory and seeks reunification, potentially by force. Recently, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defending Taiwan’s democracy and security. His statement followed China’s announcement of military drills named “Joint Sword-2024B” in the Taiwan Strait, which were intended as a warning to those supporting Taiwan’s independence.
President Lai emphasized that China has no right to represent Taiwan and that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other. He criticized China’s military exercises as attempts to intimidate neighboring countries and disrupt regional peace, contrary to international expectations. Lai assured that Taiwan will continue to protect its democratic system against external pressures.
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 aircraft -: These are airplanes used by China’s military forces. They can be used for defense, attack, or surveillance purposes.
Naval vessels -: These are ships used by the military, often for defense or to show presence in a particular area. They can include warships, submarines, and other types of boats.
Air Defence Identification Zone -: This is a designated area of airspace where a country monitors and controls aircraft for security reasons. It helps a country know who is flying near or into its airspace.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a government department in Taiwan responsible for managing the country’s defense and military affairs.
Lai Ching-te -: Lai Ching-te is the President of Taiwan. He is responsible for leading the country and making important decisions, especially about national security.
Democracy -: Democracy is a system of government where the people have the power to make decisions, usually by voting for their leaders and laws.
Regional peace -: This refers to the peaceful relations and stability among countries in a specific area, in this case, East Asia. It means countries are not fighting or having conflicts with each other.