Taiwan Reports Increased 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. On Saturday, over 28 Chinese aircraft, including J-16 and KJ-500 models, were detected. According to the Ministry, 27 of these aircraft breached the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, southeastern, 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 MND stated, “Overall 28 #PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0750hr today. Out of which, 27 crossed the median line of the #Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern, southeastern and eastern ADIZ.”
Earlier in the day, Taiwan detected 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels as of 6 am local time on Saturday. According to the Ministry, 11 of the PLA aircraft breached the median line, entering Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan’s military closely monitored the situation and responded promptly to the incursion.
In another post on X, Taiwan MND said, “18 PLA aircraft and 13 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
On July 30, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te accused the Chinese government of misinterpreting a United Nations resolution to justify its military activities against Taiwan. He condemned China for its inaccurate interpretation of UN Resolution 2758, including drawing an inappropriate linkage to its “One China” principle. While addressing the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taipei on Tuesday, Lai said that this move is aimed to not only “construct a legal basis for China’s military aggression against Taiwan” but also to obstruct Taiwan’s efforts to participate in international organisations.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is about 180 kilometers wide.
People’s Liberation Army (PLA) -: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is the combined military forces of China, including its army, navy, and air force.
median line -: The median line is an imaginary line in the Taiwan Strait that acts as an unofficial boundary between Taiwan and China.
Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) -: An Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) is an area where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its security. Taiwan has its own ADIZ to watch for any incoming threats.
incursions -: Incursions are instances where someone or something enters a place without permission. In this case, it means Chinese aircraft entering Taiwan’s ADIZ without permission.
Lai Ching-te -: Lai Ching-te is the President of Taiwan. He is responsible for leading the country and making important decisions.
UN resolution -: A UN resolution is a decision or statement made by the United Nations, an international organization that works to maintain peace and cooperation among countries.
