Taiwan reported that it tracked 23 Chinese military aircrafts, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and drones, around the nation, according to the Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday. Out of these aircraft, 16 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan MND posted on social media platform X, stating, “Overall 23 PLA aircraft (J-16, Y-8, UAVs, etc.) were detected at 0820 hrs today. Out of which, 16 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the north, central, and southwest parts of Taiwan’s ADIZ in conducting joint combat patrol along with PLAN vessels.”
The median line divides the Taiwan Strait, separating the island from China, which Taiwan claims as part of its territory. The sighting of Chinese military aircrafts came shortly after China had sent 19 aircraft, eight naval vessels, and four coast guard ships around Taiwan within the 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence earlier posted on X, “19 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels, and 4 CCG vessels operating around Taiwan were detected today. 17 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern and SW ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Taiwan monitored the situation and responded appropriately. Amidst tense relations with China and its increasing assertiveness, Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Wellington Koo Li-Hsiung, visited the Army HQ for a briefing on the operational concepts of the country’s ground forces. The MND posted on X, “On June 3, Defence Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung visited the Army HQ to receive a briefing on the operational concepts for Taiwan’s ground forces and key future acquisitions to enhance warfighting capabilities.” The post also mentioned that “Minister Koo emphasised the importance of integrating active duty and reserve forces, strengthening command and control for joint operations, and adopting realistic training aligned with our asymmetric warfare strategy.”