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Taiwan Reports 12 Chinese Aircraft, 5 Vessels Near Its Territory

Taiwan detected 12 Chinese military aircraft, five naval vessels, and one official ship near its territory on Sunday. Nine of the aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The activity follows similar incursions on Saturday when eight aircraft and six vessels were detected. The report also outlines the historical context of China's claim to Taiwan, dating back to the Qing Dynasty's annexation in 1683.

Key Points: Taiwan Detects Chinese Aircraft, Vessels Near Territory

  • Taiwan detected 12 Chinese aircraft, 5 vessels, and 1 ship on Sunday
  • 9 sorties crossed the median line into northern and southwestern ADIZ
  • Similar activity detected Saturday with 8 aircraft and 6 vessels
  • China claims Taiwan as part of its territory since 1683 Qing Dynasty annexation
3 min read

Taiwan detects 12 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 5 vessels, 1 ship around its territory

Taiwan detected 12 Chinese aircraft, 5 vessels, and 1 ship near its territory. Nine sorties crossed the median line into Taiwan's ADIZ.

"12 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan detected - Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense"

Taipei, May 10

Twelve sorties of Chinese military aircraft, five vessels and one official ship operating around Taiwan's territorial waters were detected on Sunday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said.

Of the 12, 9 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ.

In a post on X, the ministry said, "12 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier on Saturday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of eight sorties of Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and two official ships around itself.

Of the 8, all the 8 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "8 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 8 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded."

China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements.

Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its government, military, and economy. Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India.

China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga.

However, Taiwan remained a peripheral region under limited Qing control. The key shift came in 1895, when the Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, marking Taiwan as a Japanese colony for 50 years. After Japan's defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned under Chinese control, but the sovereignty transfer was not formalised.

In 1949, the Chinese Civil War resulted in the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the Republic of China (ROC) retreated to Taiwan, asserting its claim to govern all of China. This led to dual sovereignty claims: the PRC over the mainland and the ROC over Taiwan. Taiwan has operated as a de facto independent state but has avoided declaring formal independence to prevent military conflict with the PRC.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows geopolitics, this is textbook Chinese sabre-rattling. The median line is not a legal boundary, but it's been respected for decades. By crossing it with 9/12 sorties, Beijing is signalling that the status quo is untenable. Taiwan's "one China" position is a careful dance - they don't want war but won't unify. This is a reminder that the Taiwan Strait is the most dangerous flashpoint in Asia. India should stay neutral but prepare for any economic fallout.
V
Vikram M
Honestly, China is just flexing its muscles. Taiwan has its own government, elections, and military - it's been that way for 70 years. The historical arguments from 1683 or 1895 are outdated. India's own position on Kashmir is similar in complexity, but we don't send jets into Pakistani airspace every week. China should focus on its own economy instead of sabotaging regional stability. These sorties just make everyone nervous, including us.
K
Kavya N
India supports One China policy officially, but this feels like China testing the waters while the world is distracted by Ukraine. The ROC (Taiwan) claims to represent all of China just like PRC does - that's the core absurdity. Two governments claiming the same land. For us Indians, it's a lesson: when a neighbour gets aggressive, the world should respond collectively. Otherwise, Taiwan might become another Crimea.
R
Rohit P
Bhai, these are just routine patrols. China says Taiwan is part of its territory, so their aircraft can fly anywhere they want. The median line is not a legal border - it's just a habit. Taiwan gets upset every time, but nothing changes. The real news is that the US sends its warships through here too. Hypocrisy on all sides. Let's just hope no one gets trigger-happy. 🙂

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