Taiwan Monitors Chinese Satellite and Aircraft Movements
On September 3, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence reported that China launched a satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC). The satellite’s flight path passed over Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence assured that the satellite posed ‘no threat’ to the nation and that the Taiwan Armed Forces monitored the entire process, ready to respond if necessary.
Earlier in the day, Taiwan detected 19 Chinese aircraft, eight Chinese naval vessels, and one ‘official ship’ operating around its territory. The Ministry noted that 16 of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence stated that they have been monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond.
Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, but China considers it part of its territory and aims for reunification, potentially by force. Recently, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized China for violating other countries’ sovereignty and disrupting regional peace. A Chinese reconnaissance plane entered Japanese airspace, which Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said ‘seriously violated Japan’s sovereignty and raised regional tensions.’
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government and is known for its technology industry.
Chinese Satellite -: A satellite is a machine that orbits the Earth. China launched one of these machines, and it passed over an area near Taiwan.
Aircraft Movements -: This means airplanes or other flying machines were moving around. In this case, Chinese airplanes were flying near Taiwan.
Ministry of Defence -: This is a part of the government that takes care of a country’s safety and military. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence watches over its security.
Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) -: This is a special area in the sky where a country keeps track of all flying objects to make sure they are safe. Taiwan has one of these zones.
Armed Forces -: These are the military people who protect a country. Taiwan’s Armed Forces were watching the situation closely.
Naval Vessels -: These are ships that belong to the navy, which is the part of the military that operates at sea. China had some of these ships near Taiwan.
Official Ship -: This is a special ship used by the government for official purposes. China had one of these ships near Taiwan.
Sovereignty -: This means a country’s right to control its own territory and make its own decisions. Taiwan said China was not respecting this right.
Regional Tensions -: This means there are problems or conflicts between countries in a certain area. Taiwan said China’s actions were causing these problems.