Thu, 21 May 2026 · LIVE
Updated May 21, 2026 · 07:05
World News Updated May 21, 2026

Taiwan Detects 7 Chinese Aircraft Sorties Amid Rising Tensions

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 7 Chinese military aircraft sorties, 7 naval vessels, and 1 official ship near its territory as of Thursday morning. Six of the sorties crossed the median line into Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. US President Donald Trump stated the US will work on the "Taiwan problem," referencing a meeting with President Xi. China maintains its claim that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, while Taiwan operates independently.

Taiwan detects 7 Chinese aircraft sorties, 7 vessels and 1 official ship around its territory

Taipei, May 21

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of seven sorties of Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels and an official ship operating around its territorial waters as of 6am on Thursday.

Of the seven, six sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In a post on X, the MND said, "7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 out of 7 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 May 20, the MND detected the presence of 24 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, six vessels and three official ships operating around itself.

In a post on X, the MND said, "24 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 out of 24 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump in his gaggle with Press at Joint Base Andrews En Route Groton, CT, said that the US will work on the 'Taiwan problem'.

"On Taiwan, I'll speak to everyone. We have that situation very well in hand. We had a great meeting with President Xi; it was amazing actually. We'll work on that Taiwan problem," he said.

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.

— ANI

Reader Comments

James A

This is getting really concerning. The US meddling in Taiwan is risky for global peace. Trump talking about a 'Taiwan problem' just escalates tensions unnecessarily. As an outsider, I hope cooler heads prevail.

Priya S

India should maintain strategic autonomy here. We have our own border issues with China, but Taiwan is a different matter. Let's not get dragged into someone else's conflict without proper thought. 🇮🇳

Kavya N

These military exercises are just muscle-flexing. China doesn't actually want war, they want to show strength. Meanwhile, Taiwan is stuck in the middle. Sad for regular people on both sides who just want peace. 🕊️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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