Chinese Military Aircraft Activity Near Taiwan
On October 31, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) in Taiwan reported that eight Chinese military aircraft were detected, with four entering the Southwest Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) near Taiwan. The aircraft were tracked from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft did not cross the Taiwan Strait median line. In response, Taiwan deployed coastal-based missiles and aircraft to monitor the situation.
In a statement, MND said, “8 PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Recently, MND also reported six PLA aircraft and nine PLAN vessels, with four aircraft crossing the median line and entering Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. Taiwan’s MND stated, “6 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Since September 2020, China has increased military activities around Taiwan, using gray zone tactics to achieve its security objectives. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te held a national security conference to assure the public of the government’s commitment to neutralizing threats to Taiwan’s democracy and security. This followed a warning from China’s PLA about a military drill called “Joint Sword-2024B” around Taiwan.
Taiwan has been an independent state since 1949, but China claims it as its territory and seeks reunification through military force.
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, surveillance, or combat purposes.
ADIZ -: ADIZ stands for Air Defense Identification Zone. It’s an area where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its security.
Ministry of National Defense -: This is a part of Taiwan’s government responsible for the country’s defense and military operations.
Median Line -: The median line is an imaginary line in the Taiwan Strait that separates Taiwan and China. It’s often used as a boundary to avoid conflicts.
Lai Ching-te -: Lai Ching-te is the President of Taiwan. He is responsible for leading the country and ensuring its safety and security.
1949 -: In 1949, the Chinese Civil War ended, and the government of the Republic of China moved to Taiwan, making it operate separately from mainland China.