Taiwan reported the presence of 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 ships in the country

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has reported increased activity by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait, with 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships detected as of 6 a.m. local time on Saturday.

According to the ministry, 11 PLA aircraft violated the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ). Taiwan’s military closely monitored the situation and responded promptly to the intrusion.

In a post on X, the Taiwan MND said, “As of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today, 18 PLA aircraft and 13 PLAN ships were detected around Taiwan. 11 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and taken action accordingly.”

As of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today, 18 PLA aircraft and 13 PLAN ships were detected operating around Taiwan. Of these, 11 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and taken action accordingly. pic.twitter.com/0gmYNygmfh

— Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) August 3, 2024

On Friday, MND reported that 17 Chinese military aircraft and 11 naval ships were operating near Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am (local time) on Friday.

The ministry did not specify the type of aircraft or ships involved in the incident, but assured that the situation was being closely monitored. Incursions by PLA military aircraft and ships into Taiwan’s ADIZ are not uncommon, but it has raised tensions in the region, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China.

On July 30, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te accused the Chinese government of misinterpreting a UN resolution to justify its military activities against Taiwan.

he/she condemned China for misinterpreting UN Resolution 2758, including its improper association with the “One China” principle.

Addressing the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taipei on Tuesday, Lai said the move aims not only to “build a legal basis for China’s military aggression against Taiwan” but also to hamper Taiwan’s efforts to participate in international organisations.