Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported the detection of nine Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels between 6 a.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Saturday. Among these, three aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering the southeastern and southwestern regions of Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan‘s military closely monitored the situation, dispatching aircraft and naval ships, and deploying coastal missile systems to keep track of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) activities.
In a statement posted on X, Taiwan’s MND confirmed, “9 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.” This incident is part of a series of similar actions by China in recent months, where Chinese military forces have increased their presence around Taiwan through frequent air and naval incursions into the ADIZ and conducting military exercises near the island.
Just a day earlier, Taiwan’s MND noted the presence of eight Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels operating from 6 a.m. on Saturday to 6 a.m. on Sunday. Again, three of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southeastern and southwestern ADIZ.
As Taiwan News explains, these actions are part of China’s “grey zone tactics,” which involve efforts beyond routine deterrence to achieve strategic objectives without resorting to full-scale military force.
Taiwan has been self-governing since 1949, but China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, asserting that reunification is inevitable, even by force if necessary.
