MND says 47 Chinese military aircraft, 12 naval ships detected near Taiwan

Taipei: According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), until six in the morning (local time), nine government ships, twelve navy boats, and forty-seven Chinese military aircraft were seen operating close to Taiwan.

According to Taiwan’s MND, 16 of the 47 PLA aircraft reached the southern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) of Taiwan after crossing the Taiwan Strait’s middle line. Taiwan responded to China’s move by deploying coastal-based missile systems, sending navy ships and airplanes, and keeping an eye on Beijing’s activities.
“Up until 6 a.m., we detected 47 PLA aircraft, 12 PLAN vessels, and 9 official ships operating around Taiwan,” the MND said in a post on X.

(UTC+8) today. 16 of the planes entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ after crossing the median line. We have kept an eye on the issue and taken appropriate action.

As Beijing continues to establish its claims over the island, this episode is part of a recent trend of China’s more aggressive maneuvers surrounding Taiwan, which raises worries about regional stability.

The Chinese aircraft identified seven restricted airspace zones east of Zhejiang and Fujian, the MND stated on Monday.

“East of Zhejiang and Fujian, the PLA defined seven restricted airspace zones. PLA Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Command naval groups, as well as Coast Guard ships, have been seen by ROC Armed Forces in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific. Combat preparedness drills have been started by the ROC Armed Forces, who will keep an eye on the situation and react appropriately.

Since 1949, Taiwan has operated under its own government. But China insists on ultimate reunification, even if it means using force, since it views Taiwan as part of its territory.

In response to rumors that Chinese coast guard and warships had entered the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific for prolonged operations, Taiwan’s military began war-preparedness exercises on Monday.

The MND started holding war-preparedness exercises at key points around the island in reaction to the PLA’s actions, and it is working closely with the Coast Guard Administration to put the right countermeasures in place.