On Tuesday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense disclosed a concerning discovery made between Monday morning and Tuesday morning, a total of seven Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected cruising near the country. Among the sightings, seven People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft were closely monitored within the Taiwan Strait. Notably, three of these aircraft breached Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in the southwest region, while two others crossed the median line, raising alarms about potential territorial violations and escalating tensions in the region.
The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense’s surveillance efforts underscored a significant presence of Chinese military assets in close proximity to Taiwan’s borders. This development intensifies concerns over security and sovereignty, particularly with multiple PLA aircraft and naval vessels operating near the island. The situation highlights the ongoing geopolitical complexities in the Taiwan Strait and underscores the need for continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the region.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that three of the PLA planes, which flew into the southwest air defense zone, came as close as 90 kilometers to Eluanbi. To monitor the situation closely, Taiwan deployed combat patrol aircraft, navy vessels, and land-based air defense missile systems.
Additionally, surveillance and reconnaissance systems were utilized. The ministry stated on X platform that, until 6 a.m. local time, seven PLA aircraft and seven PLAN vessels were observed around Taiwan. Among them, five planes crossed into Taiwan’s southwest air defense zone after crossing the median line. The ROC Armed Forces closely monitored the situation and took appropriate actions when necessary.
A recent report from Taiwan News highlights the frequent presence of Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan. In April alone, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has spotted Chinese military aircraft 247 times and naval vessels 176 times. This uptick in activity is part of China’s increased use of “gray zone tactics” since September 2020. These tactics involve deploying military assets, including planes and ships, near Taiwan’s Area of Defense and Interior (ADIZ) and the middle line, without resorting to direct military force.
The MND also reported observing four Chinese military boats near Taiwan between Sunday morning and Monday morning. These developments underscore ongoing tensions in the region and Taiwan’s efforts to monitor and respond to Chinese military activities near its borders.
The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan has been regularly witnessing the presence of Chinese military aircraft and warships in close proximity to the island, amidst escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Amid Beijing’s persistent assertion of territorial claims over the self-governing island, the relationship between Taiwan and China has become increasingly strained due to provocative actions by Chinese military forces. Disputes regarding Taiwan have long been a point of contention between China and the international community, with Beijing considering the island as an integral part of its territory, while Taiwan asserts its independence.
According to Nikkei Asia, Admiral John Aquilino, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, stated last week that China aims to be capable of invading Taiwan by 2027. He mentioned that this timeline stems from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s directive to have the military prepared for potential action by that year.
Aquilino clarified that the US did not determine this date but expressed worry about China’s military expansion and its increasing actions against Taiwan. He highlighted China’s commitment to boosting its military strength despite economic challenges, emphasizing that China will likely continue investing heavily in its military despite economic pressures.