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Updated Aug 19, 2026 · 10:15
India News Updated Aug 19, 2026

Taiwan reports rise in PLA aircraft sorties, naval vessels around island

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported heightened Chinese military activity around its territory on Wednesday, detecting 20 PLA aircraft sorties, seven naval vessels and six official ships. Fifteen of the sorties entered Taiwan's ADIZ across multiple regions, marking an increase from the five sorties recorded on Tuesday. The MND said its armed forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

Taiwan records heightened Chinese military activity around its territory

Taipei, August 19

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Wednesday recorded 20 sorties of PLA aircraft, seven PLAN vessels and six official ships around its territory.

Sharing the details in a post on X, the MND said that 15 out of 20 sorties entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern part of the ADIZ

"20 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 6 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 out of 20 sorties entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded," the MND said.

On Tuesday, five sorties of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and seven official ships were detected operating around its territory. "5 sortie of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 7 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 out of 5 sortie entered Taiwan's northern and eastern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded," the X post from Taiwan's Ministry of Defence said.

On Monday, Taiwan detected one sortie of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, nine vessels belonging to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and seven official ships operating around the island.

"1 sortie of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 7 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 am. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 1 sortie entered Taiwan's northern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded," the 'X' post 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 its national policy and upheld through domestic laws and international statements.

Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military, and economy. China's historical claim to Taiwan dates back to the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating the Ming loyalist Koxinga.

— ANI

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