Taiwan reports increased Chinese activity near its airspace, responds swiftly

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday confirmed increased activity by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near Taiwan’s airspace and waters.

According to the ministry, as of 6 a.m. local time, 16 PLA aircraft and 6 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were detected operating around Taiwan.

Of these, 8 aircraft violated Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The Taiwan Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces) closely monitored the situation and responded immediately.

The presence of PLA assets near Taiwan has been a source of tension in the region as Taiwan continues to assert its sovereignty amid increased military maneuvers by Beijing. Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense stressed the importance of vigilance and readiness in ensuring Taiwan’s security and stability.

The specifics of Taiwan’s response to recent PLA activity were not disclosed, but the ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Taiwan’s airspace and territorial integrity.

“As of 6am today (UTC+8), 16 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN ships operating in the vicinity of Taiwan were detected. 8 aircraft entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said in a post on Twitter on Wednesday.

As of 6am today (UTC+8), 16 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN ships were detected operating around Taiwan. 8 aircraft entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces Have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/0zvF6aE2YV

– Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) 8 May 2024

A day earlier, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said on Tuesday that 10 aircraft and five ships of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were activated around Taiwanese waters and airspace as of 6 a.m. It was found to be occurring at (UTC+8).

Specifically, 4 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The incidents underscore ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing frequently holding military maneuvers and exercises near the self-ruled island. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, retains its autonomy despite China’s sovereignty claims over the island.

The Ministry of National Defense did not provide further details about the specific types of aircraft or ships involved in the recent activity, nor disclose any specific actions taken by the ROC armed forces in response to the situation.

The presence of PLA military assets near Taiwan remains a sensitive issue, raising concerns about potential tensions in the region. The Government of Taiwan has called for continued international support and attention to ensure stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Since September 2020, China has intensified the use of “grey zone tactics” by operating more military aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan.

According to CSIS, 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 substantial use of force.” Does.”