Taiwan detected 19 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating near its territory until 6 am (local time) on Friday. The intrusions are part of the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China.
The MND said the 19 aircraft from the PLA, of which 15 crossed the median line, entered Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ.
In response, Taiwan said that it deployed its aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor and track the Chinese activity. “19 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” MND posted on X.
This Chinese military activity underlines the increased tension between the two sides. China views Taiwan as its territory and underlines that reunification with the mainland is inevitable. To be accomplished by force if necessary. It has been self-governing since 1949 and claims its status as a sovereign state.
Early this week, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te tried to allay the public over the government’s determination to defend Taiwan’s democracy and national security. This, was after China just conducted large-scale military drills around the island. China dubbed the drills “Joint Sword-2024B” and characterized them as a “stern warning” to advocates of Taiwan’s independence.
President Lai expressed his views on Facebook following China’s latest military exercises. These drills took place in the Taiwan Strait and its surrounding areas. Just four days after Lai delivered his maiden Double Ten National Day speech. In the speech, Lai said clearly that China has “no right to represent Taiwan” and reaffirmed two sides of the Strait are “not subordinate” to each other.
Lai then criticized Beijing for taking to military exercises in intimidation against Taiwan. And also termed the move as a disturbance of regional peace. Such moves, he claimed, run against the expectations of the international community. The President assured the people that Taiwan would still try hard to protect its free. And democratic system against any outside pressure.
ANI
