Taiwan detects 23 Chinese military aircraft, 5 naval ships surrounded

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Thursday that it tracked 23 Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday, Taiwan News reported.

In an official post on Twitter, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said, “23 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. today (UTC+8). 8 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

According to Taiwan News, eight of the 23 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line,

In response, Taiwan dispatched aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.

On May 8, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it had detected 16 Chinese military aircraft and 6 naval ships in the vicinity.

In a post on Twitter, the MND said, “16 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6am today (UTC+8). 8 aircraft entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

The MND has issued daily reports on Chinese military activities for the past few years, including identifying Chinese aircraft, drones and balloons that have been detected crossing the Taiwan Strait midline and approaching Taiwan.

The midline of the Taiwan Strait served as a secret border between China and Taiwan for decades, but since former United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, China’s military has shown greater independence across the Taiwan Strait. Have sent planes, warships and drones.

So far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 98 times and naval ships 41 times. Since September 2020, China has increased its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating around Taiwan.

Gray zone strategy is defined as “a series of efforts or efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and reassurance that attempt to achieve one’s security objectives without the direct and substantial use of force.”