Taiwan Reports Increased Chinese Military Activity Near Borders

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported on Monday that there has been heightened military activity near its borders. This involves multiple aircraft and naval vessels from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

As of 6 am local time, a total of 10 Chinese aircraft and 6 Chinese vessels were detected operating close to Taiwan. Out of these, 8 aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ).

In response, Taiwan’s Armed Forces, represented by the Republic of China Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces), closely monitored the situation and took necessary responsive measures. This incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Taiwan and China.

The Taiwan Strait has been a focal point of military maneuvering and strategic posturing, with both sides asserting their respective territorial claims and national security interests. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), remains a key geopolitical flashpoint in East Asia, with its sovereignty fiercely contested by Beijing despite its self-governing status.

So far in July, Taiwan has detected over 300 Chinese military aircraft and around 100 naval ships. Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan. Gray zone tactics are efforts to achieve security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force.

Taiwan has been governed independently of China since 1949. However, Beijing considers the island as part of its territory and insists on its eventual reunification, by force if necessary.