Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Military Incursions into Air Defence Zones

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported the detection of 18 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and two official ships operating near Taiwan. In response, Taiwan has mobilized its forces, citing increased regional tensions due to China's aggressive military tactics around the island and nearby regions.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported the detection of 18 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and two official ships operating around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday. Notably, 15 of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ).

In response to these incursions, Taiwan mobilized its aircraft and naval vessels while deploying coastal-based missile systems to monitor and deter potential threats. The MND confirmed on social media platform X that it has monitored the situation and taken necessary measures.

This latest incident is part of a series of similar provocations by China in recent months, reflecting an increase in China's military activities around Taiwan. These activities include regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises nearby. Since September 2020, China has intensified its gray zone tactics, increasing military operations near Taiwan.

Gray zone tactics aim to achieve security objectives without direct and sizable use of force. Taiwan, governed independently since 1949, is considered by China as part of its territory, insisting on eventual reunification.

Last week, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) criticized China for violating other countries' sovereignty and disrupting regional peace. Notably, a Chinese reconnaissance plane entered Japanese airspace recently, raising tensions. Taiwan's MoFA highlighted China's collaboration with Russia in frequent military exercises in the East and South China Seas as a major threat to regional security.

The MOFA urged China to adopt rationality and self-restraint, ceasing actions that undermine Taiwan Strait peace and escalate regional tensions. Taiwan aims to bolster its self-defense capabilities and strengthen cooperation with like-minded nations, including Japan, to deter authoritarian expansion and aggression.

(With inputs from agencies.)