Taiwan detects 23 Chinese aircraft, 6 vessels, official ship around itself
Taipei, January 9
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of 23 Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and an official ship operating in its territorial waters as of 6am on Friday.
https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2009430175495434251?s=20
In a post on X, the MND said, "23 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 19 out of 23 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."
Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan's MND detected 21 sorties of PLA aircraft and five PLAN vessels.
In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 21 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, H-6K, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 1456hr today. 19 out of 21 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central and southwestern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."
Earlier in the day, it had said, "9 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 9 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."
US President Donald Trump, in an interview to The New York Times brushed aside international law. He hinted that China would not take any steps against Taiwan, till Trump was in office.
On the issue of China and Taiwan, when asked that Xi Jinping regarded Taiwan as a separatist threat to China, Trump told the New York Times, "That's up to him, what he's going to be doing. But, you know, I've expressed to him that I would be very unhappy if he did that, and I don't think he'll do that. I hope he doesn't."
On the recent developments between China and Taiwan, the threat to choke off Taiwan, Trump said that the Chinese President would not take such steps while he is in office.
"He may do it after we have a different president, but I don't think he's going to do it with me as president," Trump said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an observer from India, this feels like a dangerous game of chicken. The One-China policy is clear, but these constant incursions risk a miscalculation. The world doesn't need another flashpoint right now.
The timing is interesting. Trump's comments basically give a green signal for the next few months. China is testing boundaries, literally and figuratively. Hope our MEA is watching this closely for any implications in our neighborhood.
Respectfully, while we understand China's position, this show of force is unsettling. The people of Taiwan have their own democratic identity. Constant military pressure isn't the solution. The world should advocate for peaceful coexistence.
The sheer number of sorties - 23 aircraft, 6 vessels - is a massive deployment. This isn't just a routine patrol. It's a clear message. The stability of the Taiwan Strait is crucial for global trade, including for India.
Trump's statement is so irresponsible! Making it about his personal equation with Xi is not foreign policy. It leaves everyone guessing what happens next year. The people of Taiwan deserve better than being a political football. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.