Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported on Monday that it had detected three military aircraft and six naval vessels operating in the vicinity of the island nation’s airspace and waters. Notably, two aircraft breached Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
The ministry’s statement indicated that as of 6 am local time (UTC+8), three PLA aircraft and six vessels from China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) had been identified. The entry of two aircraft into Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ raised particular concerns.
An Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) serves as a designated airspace region where a country endeavors to identify, locate, and manage aircraft for national security purposes. In response to the situation, Taiwan’s Armed Forces promptly monitored the activities and implemented necessary precautions to uphold Taiwan’s sovereignty and security.
Up to six a.m. (UTC+8) today, three PLA planes and six PLAN boats were seen operating in the Taiwan area. Two of the planes crossed into the ADIZ in the southwest of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence wrote on X, “#ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
The persistent tensions between China and Taiwan are highlighted by this recent incident, since Beijing often conducts military exercises close to the self-governing island. Taiwan, formally referred to as the Republic of China, is autonomous even though China claims sovereignty over it.
The Ministry of National Defence did not disclose further details regarding the specific types of aircraft or vessels involved in the recent activity, nor did it elaborate on the specific actions taken by the ROC Armed Forces in response.
The presence of PLA military assets near Taiwan remains a sensitive issue, heightening concerns about potential escalations in the region. The Taiwanese government consistently urges international support and attention to ensure stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Since September 2020, China has escalated its utilization of “gray zone tactics” by deploying more military aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan. Gray zone tactics are defined as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force,” according to CSIS.