Chinese Military Activity Near Taiwan
From 6 am on Monday to 6 am on Tuesday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected 15 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels. Nine of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a post on X, Taiwan’s MND stated, “15 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.”
This incident is part of a series of similar provocations by China in recent months. China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island.
Earlier on Monday, the Taiwanese MND detected 12 PLA (People’s Liberation Army) aircraft and six PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) vessels around its territory. Seven aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s Eastern ADIZ.
The MND stated, “12 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 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.”
Notably, Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government and runs itself, but China says it should be part of China.
Chinese military -: The Chinese military is the army, navy, and air force of China. They protect China and sometimes do activities near Taiwan.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a part of Taiwan’s government that takes care of the country’s safety and military.
aircraft -: Aircraft are vehicles that can fly, like airplanes and helicopters.
naval vessels -: Naval vessels are ships used by the navy, which is the part of the military that works on the sea.
median line -: The median line is an imaginary line in the middle of the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan and China.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water between Taiwan and China.
ADIZ -: ADIZ stands for Air Defense Identification Zone. It’s an area where a country watches for aircraft to protect its airspace.
incursions -: Incursions are when someone enters a place without permission. Here, it means Chinese military entering areas near Taiwan without permission.
self-governed -: Self-governed means Taiwan has its own government and makes its own rules, separate from China.
reunification -: Reunification means bringing two parts back together. China wants Taiwan to join back with it and be one country again.
