Taiwan Spots 17 Chinese Military Aircraft, 7 Naval Vessels Near Its Territory

Taipei — Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that 17 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected operating near its territory as of 6 a.m. local time on Saturday.

The ministry stated that eight of the 17 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan’s armed forces closely monitored the situation and deployed aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems as needed.

In an update posted on social media platform X, the MND said,
“17 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

This latest military activity follows a similar incident the previous day, when Taiwan reported detecting 26 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one government-affiliated ship in the region. Of those aircraft, 24 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ.

“26 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 24 out of 26 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” the MND posted on Friday.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), has operated as a self-governed entity since 1949. However, China continues to claim the island as part of its territory under the "One China" policy and has consistently asserted its goal of eventual reunification with the mainland.

Amid these ongoing tensions, Taiwan's military remains on high alert, vigilantly tracking and responding to incursions as part of its efforts to defend its sovereignty and uphold regional peace and stability.

With inputs from IANS