Chinese Military Activity Detected in Taiwan’s Territory
On October 17, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported that Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels were operating in Taiwan’s territory. The Ministry shared maps and a statement on social media, highlighting the activities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Taiwan’s waters and airspace.
Details of the Incursion
By 6 a.m. on October 17, 20 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels were detected around Taiwan. Notably, 20 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s central and southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan’s Armed Forces monitored the situation and deployed combat air patrol (CAP) aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems.
Increased Military Exercises
The PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command had previously announced joint military exercises near Taiwan, deploying a record 125 aircraft, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning. Since early October, Chinese military activities have increased, especially after Taiwan’s National Day on October 10.
International Concerns
The Taiwan Strait is vital for global shipping and trade. Any conflict here could impact international trade routes and security in Asia. The China-Taiwan dispute centers on Taiwan’s political status. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, while Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has not ruled out using force for reunification, while Taiwan resists unification under Beijing’s terms.
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.
PLA -: PLA stands for the People’s Liberation Army, which is the combined military forces of China, including its army, navy, and air force.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is an important route for ships carrying goods around the world.
CAP aircraft -: CAP stands for Combat Air Patrol. These are military aircraft that fly over a specific area to protect it from enemy aircraft.
median line -: The median line is an imaginary line in the Taiwan Strait that is often used as a boundary to separate the airspace and waters of Taiwan and China.
air defense zone -: An air defense zone is an area where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its airspace from potential threats.
joint military exercises -: Joint military exercises are training activities conducted by two or more countries’ military forces to improve their ability to work together.
global trade -: Global trade refers to the exchange of goods and services between countries all over the world. It is important for economies to grow and for people to get products from different places.
political status -: Political status refers to the way a place is governed and recognized by other countries. In Taiwan’s case, it means whether it is seen as an independent country or part of China.