12 Chinese aircraft, 5 naval vessels spotted near Taiwan

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday and said that by 6 am (local time), 22 Chinese aircraft and five naval vessels were detected in the region.

The MND further reported that sixteen of these aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In response, Taiwan is monitoring the situation and has responded accordingly.

Sharing a post on X, MND wrote, “22 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

A day before that, China sent 4 Chinese aircraft and 4 naval vessels around Taiwan.

“4 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.” Taiwan MND said o n X.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military also reported the transit of the United States and Canadian naval vessels, which sailed through the Taiwan Strait from south to north on October 20.

In another post, MND wrote, “One United States and one Canadian naval vessel sailed through the Taiwan Strait from south to north yesterday. During this period, #ROCArmedForces maintained full control over the surrounding sea and airspace, with the situation remaining normal.”

Earlier this week, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reassured the public of the government’s dedication to defending Taiwan’s democracy and national security following China’s large-scale military exercises around the island.

He made his remarks after holding a high-level national security meeting in response to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) announcement of military drills, named “Joint Sword-2024B,” in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas, which were described as a “stern warning” to advocates of Taiwan independence, according to the Taipei Times.

Notably, the latest Chinese military action is part of tensions between Taiwan and China, with frequent military activity by Beijing around the island.

Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.