Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that from 6 am (local time) on Saturday to 6 am (local time) on Sunday, 36 Chinese military aircraft and 12 naval vessels were active around Taiwan. Out of the 36 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 31 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, southeastern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor China’s military movements.
On X, Taiwan’s MND stated, “36 PLA aircraft and 12 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 31 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, southeastern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.”
According to Taiwan News, Taiwan has detected PLA aircraft 71 times and Chinese ships 36 times so far in August. Since September 2020, China has ramped up its use of gray zone tactics, which Taiwan News describes as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.”
This latest incident is part of a pattern of similar provocations by China in recent months, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island. Taiwan, which has been governed independently since 1949, is considered by China as part of its territory, with China insisting on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
On Saturday, the Ministry of National Defence noted increased activity by the PLA near the Taiwan Strait, with 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels detected by 6 am local time. The Ministry reported that 11 of the PLA aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. Taiwan’s military monitored the situation closely and responded promptly.
In a post on X, Taiwan MND said, “18 PLA aircraft and 13 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
