24-May-2024, Fri.
Taiwan has recently detected a significant presence of Chinese military aircraft and vessels near its vicinity, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two sides.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), on Saturday, as many as 18 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and four People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were detected in the area around Taiwan up until 6 am local time. Among the detected aircraft, 12 were reported to have crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwest Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). The following day, Sunday, Taiwan’s MND confirmed the detection of seven Chinese military aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan until 6 am. Taiwan’s Armed Forces closely monitored the situation and responded accordingly.
On Monday, the second consecutive day of large-scale military exercises conducted by the Chinese PLA, Taiwan reported the detection of an even larger presence of Chinese military assets. According to the MND, a total of 49 warplanes, 19 navy vessels, and Chinese coast guard vessels were monitored during this period. Among these, 35 aircraft breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait, acting as a de facto boundary between the two entities. These developments mark a concerning escalation in tensions between Taiwan and China, which has long claimed sovereignty over the island. Taiwan has frequently raised concerns about China’s military activities and its ambitions to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, by force if necessary.
The MND has been issuing daily reports on Chinese military activities for the past few years, including identifying those Chinese aircraft, drones, and balloons that are found to have crossed the Taiwan Strait median line to the Taiwan side. The increased presence of Chinese military assets near Taiwan underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
The Taiwanese government has responded to China’s increased military presence around Taiwan with vigilance and concern. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense (MND) detected a significant incursion of Chinese military assets, including People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels operating near Taiwan.
This development has raised tensions between Taiwan and China, with Taiwan expressing apprehension over China’s militaristic actions and ambitions to reunify Taiwan with the mainland by force if necessary. In response to the escalating situation, Taiwan’s Armed Forces (ROC Armed Forces) have been actively monitoring Chinese military activities and have taken measures to respond accordingly.
The Taiwanese government has emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the region, advocating for peaceful dialogue to resolve issues over Taiwan. Taiwan has also expressed concerns about the risks of inadvertent or accidental military clashes due to the close proximity of opposing forces in the region.
The Taiwanese government’s stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and security amidst China’s assertive military maneuvers. The increased Chinese military presence near Taiwan has underscored the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, prompting Taiwan to remain vigilant and prepared to address any potential threats to its territorial integrity and stability.
