Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Movements Amid Rising Tensions

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported increased Chinese military activity, including aircraft crossing into Taiwan's ADIZ. Taiwan has responded with its own deployments, highlighting growing tensions and China's strategic provocations in the region.

In a statement released on Thursday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) revealed that 18 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels were detected from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am on Friday. Of the 18 aircraft, 12 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND confirmed that Taiwan has been monitoring the situation and taking appropriate actions.

Reacting swiftly to China's maneuvers, Taiwan dispatched aircraft and naval ships while deploying coastal-based missile systems to track PLA activities. Taiwan's MND took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, '18 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. today. 12 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.'

This incident is the latest in a series of similar moves by China, which has escalated its military activities around Taiwan. Regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military drills near the island have become more frequent since September 2020, portraying China's strategic use of gray zone tactics to avoid direct combat. These tactics are described as efforts to achieve security goals without substantial force. Taiwan, governed independently since 1949, remains a territory China aims to reclaim, even if through coercive measures.

The situation intensified further as Taiwan's MND reported 27 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels near its territory on Thursday. Of these, 17 aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. Taiwan diligently monitored the developments and responded accordingly. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)