Taiwan detects 49 Chinese aircraft, 19 ships near its territory

On the second day of China’s military games on the Taiwan Strait, the island nation’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported a significant presence of Chinese military aircraft and ships near its territory.

According to the MND, as of 6 am on Friday, a total of 49 aircraft of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including Su-30, J-16 and KJ-500, as well as 19 of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Are included. The ships and 7 China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were found operating around Taiwan.

Of particular concern was that 35 aircraft crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ). In response to this increased activity, Taiwan’s armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, were closely monitoring the situation and taking concrete actions to protect the island’s independence and democracy, according to the MND. Had said.

“As of 6am today, 49 PLA aircraft (including SU-30, J-16, KJ-500, etc.), 19 PLAN ships and 7 CCG ships operating around #Taiwan have been detected. 35 aircraft crossed the midline of the #Taiwan Strait and entered SW ADIZ of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Friday the ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

49 PLA aircraft, 19 PLAN ships and 7 CCG ships are operating around #Taiwan Found out by 6 am today. 35 planes crossed the center line #Taiwan Strait and entered SW ADIZ of Taiwan. #ROCArmedForces Have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/DxJ90loGRC

– Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) 24 May 2024

“Close surveillance! The ROCArmy, ROCNavy, ROCAF and Coast Guard are taking concrete action to defend #freedomand #democracy!” MND also said.

Close monitoring!#ROCarmy, #ROCNavy, #ROCAF And the Coast Guard is taking concrete action to protect #Freedom And #democracy,@mna_roc @YDN_NEWS pic.twitter.com/Ayhb4ayfye

– Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) 24 May 2024

Emphasizing Taiwan’s ability and confidence to ensure its security and defend its sovereignty, the MND also called on the international community to condemn China’s actions, which it considers irrational. “We have the capacity and confidence to ensure our security and defend our sovereignty. At the same time, we call on the international community to condemn the PRC’s irrational actions,” the MND said in a post on X.

The ministry stressed that the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) military exercises, which are indicative of its hegemonic mentality, have undermined regional peace and stability. “The CCP’s military exercises, which expose its hegemonic mentality, have undermined regional peace and stability. The ROC Armed Forces are ready to defend our country. We do not want any conflict, but we will not back down from anyone,” it also said.

Despite Taiwan’s reluctance to engage in conflict, the ROC armed forces reaffirmed their readiness to defend the country. While trying to avoid conflicts, Taiwan made it clear that it would not shy away from defending itself against any aggression.

As rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait highlight ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region, Taiwan has reaffirmed its commitment to defend its sovereignty and democratic values ​​in the face of China’s growing military pressure.

China began a second day of military exercises around Taiwan on Friday, focusing on testing their ability to “seize power” and control strategic areas, Channel News Asia reported. Considered as a response to the recent inauguration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.