Taiwan detects 6 Chinese planes, 7 ships in its vicinity

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense (MND) on Monday detected the presence of Chinese military aircraft and ships in its vicinity.

According to the Defense Ministry statement, six Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and seven People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were spotted across the country by 6 am.

In addition, six aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The Taiwan Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces) monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

“As of 6am today (UTC+8), 6 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating in the vicinity of Taiwan were detected. 6 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” Taiwan’s MND said in a post shared on Twitter.

Earlier on Sunday, Taiwan’s MND had detected seven Chinese military aircraft and seven People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships.

According to the MND, Chinese military aircraft and ships were detected by 6 am.

Sharing it on Twitter, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said, “7 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6am today (UTC+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

The development marks a worrying escalation in tensions between Taiwan and China, which has long claimed sovereignty over the island.

The growing presence of Chinese military assets near Taiwan underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

Taiwan has often expressed concerns about China’s military activities and its ambitions to reunite Taiwan with the mainland by force if necessary.

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.

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 resorting to the direct and large use of force.”