Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Activity
On November 11, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported the detection of seven Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and five People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels near Taiwan. Two of these aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND assured that the situation was monitored and responded to accordingly.
Increased Military Presence
On the previous day, nine PLA aircraft and five PLAN vessels were detected, with six aircraft crossing into Taiwan’s ADIZ. This increase in military activity is part of China’s grey zone tactics, which have been ongoing since September 2020.
Response from Taiwan’s Leadership
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te held a national security conference to address these threats, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy and security. This follows China’s announcement of military drills named “Joint Sword-2024B” in the Taiwan Strait, intended as a warning to Taiwan independence advocates.
Modernization Efforts
In efforts to modernize its defense, President Lai Ching-te attended a ceremony for a new light frigate prototype for the Taiwanese Navy on November 4 at the Kaohsiung shipyard.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like a separate country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Chinese Military Activity -: This refers to actions taken by China’s military forces, such as flying aircraft or sailing ships near Taiwan. These activities can be seen as a show of strength or a way to intimidate Taiwan.
President Lai Ching-te -: Lai Ching-te is the President of Taiwan. He is responsible for leading the country and ensuring the safety and security of its people.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a part of Taiwan’s government that is responsible for protecting the country from threats, including those from other countries’ militaries.
Air Defense Zone -: An air defense zone is an area in the sky where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its airspace from potential threats.
Joint Sword-2024B -: This is the name of a military exercise or drill conducted by China. Such drills are practice operations to prepare the military for real situations.
Modernizing Navy -: Modernizing the navy means updating and improving the ships and equipment used by a country’s naval forces to make them more effective and advanced.
Frigate Prototypes -: Frigate prototypes are new designs or models of a type of warship called a frigate. These are being tested to see how well they work before being used in the navy.