Taiwan detects seven Chinese military aircraft, seven naval ships across the country

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Tuesday it detected seven Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels over the country between 6 a.m. Monday (local time) and 6 a.m. Tuesday (local time).

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, seven People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft were tracked across the Taiwan Strait. Of the seven aircraft, two crossed the median line and three entered the southwest corner of the air defense identification zone (ADIZ), Taiwan News reported.

According to Taiwan’s MND, three PLA aircraft that entered the southwest ADIZ came within 90 kilometers of Aluanbi. The ministry said it monitored the situation using its surveillance, intelligence as well as reconnaissance systems and dispatched combat patrol aircraft, naval ships and deployed land-based air defense missile systems.

In a post on Twitter, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said, “7 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. today (UTC+8). 5 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and deployed appropriate forces to respond.

According to Taiwan News report, so far in April, Taiwan’s MND has spotted Chinese military aircraft 247 times and naval ships 176 times. Since September 2020, China has intensified the use of “grey zone tactics” by deploying military aircraft and naval ships along the median line and inside Taiwan’s ADIZ.

According to CSIS, the gray zone strategy is defined as “a series of efforts or actions beyond steady-state deterrence and reassurance that take place without resorting to the direct and large use of force,” Taiwan News reports. Strives to achieve security objectives.”

Earlier on Monday, Taiwan tracked four Chinese naval vessels in the vicinity of Taiwan between 6 a.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday (local time), according to Taiwan’s MND.

Amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the island nation’s Ministry of National Defense has repeatedly detected Chinese military aircraft and ships operating near Taiwan.

The provocative maneuvers by Chinese military assets come amid rising tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing asserting its territorial claims to the self-ruled island.

Taiwan has long been a source of dispute between China and the international community, with Beijing considering the island an integral part of its territory, while Taiwan maintains its sovereignty.

Last week, Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said China aims to have the capability to invade Taiwan by 2027, Nikkei Asia reported.

Speaking to Nikkei Asia, Admiral Aquilino said the timeline is based on Chinese President Xi Jinping asking “to prepare your military to execute in 2027.” He made the comments to Nikkei and other outlets during a visit to Japan on April 23.

He further said that America did not come up with the date. According to Nikkei Asia, Aquilino expressed concern over China’s military buildup and its increasing provocations against Taiwan.

“Despite a failing economy, there is a conscious decision to fund the military capability,” Admiral John Aquilino said, adding that he believes China will continue to spend significant resources on the military even in the face of greater economic headwinds. Will continue.