Taiwan ‘s Ministry of National Defence, the MND, reported detecting 10 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels close to its territory early Saturday morning. The MND said that the Chinese military activities continued until 6 a.m. local time. It responded by dispatching aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor events.
The MND posted on X: “We detected 10 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. We monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
It is the most recent military move under increased tension between Taiwan and China. Beijing repeatedly runs military exercises around Taiwan, adding to regional instability. The Taiwan authorities have governed independently since 1949, but it sees the island as part of its territory and aims for reunification by force if necessary.
Earlier this week, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reassured the people of Taiwan that his government is committed to defending democracy. And national security following China’s extensive military exercises around the island. Lai posted on his Facebook page after holding a national security meeting in response to the PLA’s announcement of the “Joint Sword-2024B” drills in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. Beijing called the maneuvers a “stern warning” to those pushing for Taiwan’s independence.
China announced these military drills just four days after Lai’s Double Ten National Day speech. In which he said China had “no right to represent Taiwan” and the two sides across the Strait were “not subordinate” to each other. In the same speech, Lai accused Beijing of intimidating its neighbors and undermining regional peace with military exercises. He added that such moves ran counter to the expectations of the international community in seeking peace and stability.
He reassured the Taiwanese that the government was committed to protecting the democratic system from external pressure. Lai emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining its free and democratic constitutional system. Despite the growing military threats coming from China.
The whole situation indicates tensions in the Strait and challenges to Taiwan maintaining independence.
ANI
