Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Activity Near Taiwan Strait
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence has reported a surge in activity by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait. As of 6 am local time on Monday, 16 Chinese aircraft, 14 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and one official ship were detected.
According to the Ministry, 13 of the PLA aircraft breached the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan’s military closely monitored the situation and responded promptly to the incursion.
In a post on X, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence stated, “18 PLA aircraft and 14 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
The Ministry did not specify the types of aircraft or vessels involved but assured that the situation was under close surveillance. Incursions by PLA military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s ADIZ are not uncommon but have escalated tensions in the region, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China.
Earlier on Sunday, July 28, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported detecting nine PLAN vessels operating near its territory. The Ministry stated, “9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. Today’s illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operation around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe.”
The Taiwan Strait, separating Taiwan from mainland China, has been a frequent area of contention, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province and asserting sovereignty over the island. The latest incident comes amid heightened regional security concerns and underscores Taiwan’s ongoing vigilance in defending its airspace and territorial integrity against Chinese military activities.
Amid the growing threat, Taiwan began military exercises, Han Kuang, on July 22 to test its war-fighting capabilities. Amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, China has increased its military presence and conducted frequent drills in the region. The manoeuvres are seen as part of Beijing’s ongoing pressure campaign against Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government and is not controlled by China.
Chinese Military -: The Chinese Military is the armed forces of China. They are called the People’s Liberation Army.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from China.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is the part of Taiwan’s government that takes care of the country’s safety and military.
People’s Liberation Army -: This is the name of China’s military forces.
Air Defence Identification Zone -: This is an area where a country watches for aircraft to make sure they are not a threat.
military exercises -: These are practice activities that the military does to prepare for real situations.
tensions -: Tensions mean that there are problems or conflicts between two groups or countries.