Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported heightened military activity by China around its borders on Saturday, with 14 Chinese military aircraft, nine naval vessels, and one official ship operating near Taiwan until 6 a.m. (local time).
According to the MND, nine out of the 14 aircraft sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The median line is an unofficial maritime border between Taiwan and China, typically respected to avoid escalating tensions.
“14 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC 8) today, 9 out of 14 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” Taiwan’s MND posted on X.
Taiwan Responds with Military Vigilance
In response to the incursions, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to track and monitor the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) movements. The repeated presence of Chinese forces near Taiwan reflects ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
The escalation aligns with China’s broader strategy to pressure Taiwan militarily and diplomatically. Taiwan continues to strengthen its defenses and international partnerships in the face of Beijing’s assertiveness.
President Lai Warns of China’s Expansionist Agenda
On June 28, President Lai Ching-te warned about China’s efforts to annex Taiwan as part of its “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” strategy and expand dominance in the western Pacific.
During the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) national congress, President Lai stressed the urgency of countering China’s “influence warfare and military intimidation.” He said the threat from Beijing would continue regardless of any changes in Taiwan’s political leadership.
Lai also addressed domestic political challenges, accusing the opposition-controlled legislature of bypassing constitutional procedures and slashing central government budgets. He urged the DPP to unite with citizens through mass recall efforts to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty.
“Better democracy, better Taiwan,” the congress’s theme, underscored Lai’s call for unity.
He credited Taiwan’s vibrant democracy to the resilience of its civil society, citing historic protests such as the 1990 Wild Lily movement and the 2014 Sunflower movement, where people rallied against pro-China policies.
