NewKerala.com

Taiwan Spots 13 Chinese Military Aircraft, 7 Naval Vessels in Latest Patrols

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting 13 sorties of Chinese PLA aircraft and seven PLAN naval vessels operating around the island, with 12 of the aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The activity, which follows similar patrols reported the previous day, occurred as China also launched satellites on a flight path over central Taiwan. Taiwan's government has consistently accused Beijing of using military pressure for intimidation, while also dismissing recent Chinese allegations about Taiwanese involvement in a submarine cable damage case. These incidents underscore the ongoing and heightened military tensions in the Taiwan Strait region.

Key Points: Taiwan Reports Chinese Military Sorties, Naval Activity

  • 13 PLA aircraft sorties detected
  • 7 PLAN vessels operating near Taiwan
  • 12 aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait median line
  • China also launched satellites over Taiwan
3 min read

Taiwan detects 13 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 7 naval vessels around its territory

Taiwan detects 13 Chinese aircraft & 7 naval vessels near its territory, with most crossing the Taiwan Strait median line, amid ongoing tensions.

"12 out of 13 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. - Taiwan MND"

Taipei, December 27

Taiwan on Saturday reported fresh Chinese military activity around the island, with multiple Chinese aircraft and naval vessels detected near its airspace and waters.

In a post on X, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that 13 sorties of Chinese PLA aircraft and seven PLAN naval vessels were spotted operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time).

The ministry said that 12 of the 13 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

"13 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 12 out of 13 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry said.

The MND also said China launched satellites in the early hours of Saturday.

"At 00:07 (UTC+8) today, China launched satellites from #XSLC, with the flight path over central Taiwan toward the Western Pacific. The altitude is beyond the atmosphere, posing no threat. #ROCArmedForces monitored the process and remain ready to respond," the post added.

The latest activity follows similar movements reported a day earlier. On Friday, Taiwan's defence ministry said it had detected two sorties of Chinese military aircraft, six Chinese naval vessels and two Chinese balloons around the island by 6 am.

"Two sorties of PLA aircraft and six PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am (UTC+8) today. Two PRC balloons were detected during this timeframe. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry had said in its earlier post.

China regularly carries out military drills and patrols around Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. Taiwan, which is governed separately, has repeatedly accused Beijing of using military pressure to intimidate the island.

Meanwhile, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accused China of engaging in "transnational suppression and political manipulation" after a Chinese public security agency claimed that Taiwanese nationals were responsible for a smuggling scheme involving a vessel crewed by Chinese that was damaged undersea cables earlier this year, according to the report from Taipei Times.

In June, a Taiwanese court sentenced the Chinese captain of the Togo-registered ship Hong Tai 58 to three years in prison after determining he was guilty of deliberately damaging subsea cables off Taiwan in February, which raised concerns among officials.

The public security bureau in Weihai, located in China's Shandong Province, stated that its investigation into the incident revealed that two Taiwanese individuals orchestrated a multi-vessel operation that was unlawfully transporting frozen goods into China. These findings from Chinese authorities followed interviews with seven crew members from the Hong Tai 58, as reported by Taipei Times.

The MAC has dismissed the Chinese findings in a statement.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The satellite launch detail is interesting. While they say it's beyond the atmosphere, the psychological pressure of having objects launched over your territory is real. Taiwan's restraint in monitoring and not escalating is commendable.
A
Arjun K
Balloons, aircraft, ships... it's a full spectrum show of force. This isn't just about Taiwan; it's a message to all of China's neighbors, including us in India. We must strengthen our own defenses and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Jai Hind!
P
Priya S
The part about the damaged undersea cables and the blame game is concerning. Critical infrastructure is vulnerable during these tensions. Hope diplomacy prevails, but China's actions are making it very difficult.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while China's actions are aggressive, we must also acknowledge Taiwan's position is complex under international law. A peaceful resolution is the only way forward. Constant military drills help no one and risk a terrible miscalculation.
K
Karthik V
Day after day, same news. China testing limits, Taiwan tracking and reporting. It's a dangerous game of chicken. The global community, especially democracies like India, should offer more vocal support to Taiwan's right to peace and security.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50