Chinese Military Activity Near Taiwan
The Ministry of National Defence in Taiwan reported that it had tracked 15 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around the island between 6 am Friday (Sept. 27) and the same time Saturday.
Of the 15 aircraft, ten crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern air defence identification zones (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan dispatched aircraft, naval ships, and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the situation closely.
This activity is part of a broader pattern of increased military presence by China in the region. Throughout September, Taiwan has tracked 422 Chinese military aircraft and 213 naval vessels. Since September 2020, China has ramped up the use of ‘gray zone’ tactics—operations designed to exert pressure and achieve strategic objectives without direct military confrontation.
By steadily increasing the number of aircraft and naval incursions, China has maintained pressure on Taiwan while avoiding direct conflict. Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, has condemned these actions, accusing China of misinterpreting international agreements to justify its actions. China, however, continues to insist on its claim over Taiwan, considering the island part of its territory.
Beijing has long sought eventual reunification, by force if necessary, and has maintained that the United Nations’ One China resolution supports its position. Taiwan has been governed separately since 1949, following the Chinese Civil War.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Chinese Military Aircraft -: These are airplanes used by China’s military, which is the part of the government that handles defense and war.
Naval Vessels -: Naval vessels are ships used by the navy, which is the part of the military that operates at sea.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a part of Taiwan’s government that is responsible for protecting the country and managing its military forces.
Median Line of the Taiwan Strait -: This is an imaginary line in the water between Taiwan and China. It is often used as a boundary to keep the peace.
Air Defense Zones -: These are areas in the sky where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect itself from attacks.
Missile Systems -: These are weapons that can be launched to hit targets far away, often used for defense.
Increased Military Presence -: This means that there are more military forces, like soldiers, ships, and planes, in a certain area than usual.
President Lai Ching-te -: He is the leader of Taiwan, similar to how India has a Prime Minister.
China’s Claim Over Taiwan -: China believes that Taiwan should be part of its country, but Taiwan wants to be independent and have its own government.