Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported a surge in activity by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait on Monday morning. A total of 16 Chinese aircraft, 14 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and one official ship were detected as of 6 am local time. Notably, 13 of the PLA aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan’s military closely monitored the situation and responded promptly to the incursion.
The Ministry’s post on X stated, “18 PLA aircraft and 14 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC 8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.” While the Ministry did not specify the types of aircraft or vessels involved, they assured the public that the situation was under close surveillance.
Incursions by PLA military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s ADIZ are not uncommon but have escalated tensions in the region, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China. This incident comes after a previous report on Sunday, July 28, where Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence detected nine PLAN vessels operating near its territory. The Ministry reported on X, “9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC 8) today. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. Today’s illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operation around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe.”
The Taiwan Strait, separating Taiwan from mainland China, has been a frequent area of contention. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and asserts sovereignty over the island. The latest incident adds to the heightened regional security concerns and underscores Taiwan’s ongoing vigilance in defending its airspace and territorial integrity against Chinese military activities.
Amid the growing threat, Taiwan began military exercises, Han Kuang, on July 22, to test its war-fighting capabilities. Rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait have led to an increase in China’s military presence and frequent drills in the region. These maneuvers are seen as part of Beijing’s ongoing pressure campaign against Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province.
