Taiwan detects 18 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval ships near its territory

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) said that as of 6 a.m. Saturday (local time), 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval ships and one official ship were detected operating around the island.

According to Taiwan’s MND, seven People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed coastal-based missiles and aircraft to monitor the situation.

In a post on Twitter, Taiwan’s MND said, “18 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6am today (UTC+8). 7 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

Notably, the latest Chinese military action is part of tensions between Taiwan and China, with continued military activity by Beijing around the island. Taiwan has been independently governed since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.

Taiwan has increased security along its maritime borders in response to Chinese military incursions. On Thursday, Taiwan’s armed forces held a massive air defense drill as China reportedly prepares for its third large-scale military exercise, Joint Sword-2024C, near Taiwan.

The drill, which included air, naval and missile defense units, was held to strengthen preparedness against potential air and missile threats, Taiwan News reported.

The Air Force Command said the exercise took place from 5 am to 7 am, in which fighter jets, naval ships and air defense missile systems were deployed. Aircraft such as the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16 and C-130 transport aircraft were used along with ground-based air defense missile units.

Recently, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te attended the closing ceremony of #ROCN Shui-Hsing Barracks. The base will serve as the new home for the Taiwanese Navy Underwater Operations Unit and enhance its training capabilities.