Taiwan Tracks 26 Chinese Military Sorties, 6 Warships in Latest Strait Tensions

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting 26 People's Liberation Army aircraft sorties and six naval vessels operating around its territory. The majority of the aircraft sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern air defense zones. This follows similar incidents in the preceding days, including a Chinese surveillance drone entering airspace near the Pratas Islands. The ministry stated it monitored and responded to all incursions, condemning the actions as provocative.

Key Points: Taiwan Reports 26 PLA Aircraft, 6 Naval Vessels Near Territory

  • 26 PLA aircraft sorties detected
  • 6 PLAN vessels operating near Taiwan
  • 18 sorties crossed Taiwan Strait median line
  • Entries into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone
3 min read

Taiwan records 26 PLA aircraft sorties, 6 PLAN vessels around its territory

Taiwan's defense ministry detected 26 Chinese military aircraft sorties and 6 naval vessels operating around the island, with most crossing the Taiwan Strait median line.

"We have monitored the situation and responded. - Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence"

Taipei, January 24

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Saturday said that it detected 26 sorties of Chinese aircraft and six People's Liberation Army Navy vessels operating around Taiwan up to 6 am.

In a post on X, the MND said that 18 out of the 26 PLA sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

"26 sorties of PLA and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6am. (UTC+8) toda.18 out of 26 sorties crossed the media lineand entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ.We have monitored the situationand responded," MND said.

On Friday, Taiwan's MND detected overall 23 sorties of Chinese aircraft alongwith other naval vessels.

Of the 23,17 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central and southwestern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 23 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, H-6K, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 1040hr today. 17 out of 23 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."

On the same day, the MND said that eleven sorties of PLA aircraft and five PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up to 6 am (local time).

In a statement, the MND said nine of the sorties crossed the median line into Taiwan's northern and southwestern air defence identification zone (ADIZ), prompting the MND to monitor and respond to the situation.

In a post on X, it said, "11 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Today. 9 out of 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence, a Chinese surveillance drone entered the southwestern section of Taiwan's air defence identification zone in the early hours of the morning and moved toward the Pratas Islands, also known as Dongsha, as reported by The Taipei Times.

According to The Taipei Times, the ministry said the aircraft approached the islands shortly before dawn and briefly entered territorial airspace at an altitude beyond the effective reach of local air-defence systems. The garrison stationed on the islands was immediately instructed to raise alert levels and intensify aerial monitoring.

After repeated warnings broadcast through international radio frequencies, the drone withdrew several minutes later. The ministry condemned the manoeuvre as reckless and provocative, stating that it violated international norms and further destabilised the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
It feels like a show of strength, but it's making everyone nervous. As an Indian, I see parallels with how assertive posturing can lead to miscalculations. Dialogue is always better than drills that feel like intimidation. Hoping for peaceful resolution 🙏
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Rohit P
The numbers are staggering - 26 sorties in one day! This isn't just a routine exercise. The world needs to pay attention. For India, it's a reminder to be vigilant on our own borders while advocating for peace and adherence to international norms.
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Ananya R
Respectfully, I think the article could provide more context on Taiwan's own military readiness and the historical background. The reporting feels one-sided by focusing only on the incursions. A balanced view would help readers understand the complete geopolitical picture.
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Sarah B
Watching from abroad, this is deeply unsettling. The drone entering territorial airspace is a serious escalation. The international community, including India, has a role in urging restraint. No one wants another flashpoint in the world right now.
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Karthik V
This is sheer muscle-flexing. India has faced similar tactics. It's crucial for democracies in the region to stand for a rules-based order. Taiwan's calm monitoring and response, as reported, shows restraint. Hope cooler heads prevail.

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