Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Activity Near Its Borders
On November 14, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported increased Chinese military activity. They detected five aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), nine vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and one official ship near Taiwan. Notably, nine of these aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Taiwanese MND observed 24 Chinese aircraft and six vessels. Of these, 15 aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. Taiwan has been closely monitoring these activities and responding accordingly.
Since September 2020, China has increased its military presence around Taiwan, employing grey zone tactics to achieve its security goals. In response, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te held a national security conference, reassuring the public of the government’s commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy and security. This 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.
In efforts to modernize its military, President Lai Ching-te attended a keel-laying ceremony for a new light frigate prototype for the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) on November 4 at the Kaohsiung shipyard.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government and is considered a separate country by many, but China claims it as part of its territory.
PLA -: PLA stands for People’s Liberation Army, which is the combined military forces of China, including its army, navy, and air force.
PLAN -: PLAN stands for People’s Liberation Army Navy, which is the naval branch of China’s military forces.
ADIZ -: ADIZ stands for Air Defense Identification Zone. It is an area where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its security, even if it’s outside its national airspace.
Grey zone tactics -: Grey zone tactics are actions by a country that are aggressive but not openly warlike. They are used to gain advantage without starting a full-scale war.
Lai Ching-te -: Lai Ching-te is the President of Taiwan. He is responsible for leading the country and ensuring its safety and security.
Naval frigate -: A naval frigate is a type of warship used by a country’s navy. It is smaller than a destroyer and is used for protecting other ships and coastal areas.