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Taiwan Reports Chinese Military Activity Near Its Air Defence Zone

Taiwan's military spotted another round of Chinese air and naval activity near the island this morning. This follows a similar pattern from just the day before, showing these patrols are a regular occurrence. At the same time, there's concern that China is posting officials to its embassies to keep tabs on Taiwanese people abroad. Taiwanese security authorities say they're watching that situation closely to prevent any harassment.

Key Points: Taiwan Detects Chinese Aircraft, Vessels Near ADIZ; Officials Cite Intimidation Tactics

  • Taiwan's MND detects Chinese military incursions into its ADIZ
  • Five PLA aircraft cross median line near Taiwan
  • NSB chief reveals Chinese embassy personnel targeting Taiwanese abroad
  • DPP legislator raises concerns over intimidation of Taiwanese expatriates
  • Activity follows similar Chinese patrols detected the previous day
  • Taiwan's armed forces state they monitored and responded to the incursions
2 min read

Taiwan detects 7 Chinese aircraft, 7 vessels, 1 ship

Taiwan's defence ministry tracked 7 Chinese aircraft and 7 naval vessels near its territory, with 5 aircraft crossing the median line. Security officials also report Chinese personnel assigned to embassies to monitor Taiwanese abroad.

"7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 5 out of 7 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. - Taiwan Ministry of National Defense"

Taipei, December 21

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected seven sorties of Chinese aircraft, seven naval vessels and an official ship around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Sunday.

As per the MND, of the seven sorties, five crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 5 out of 7 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier on Saturday, Taiwan detected six sorties of Chinese military aircraft, 11 naval vessels, and an official ship. The Taiwanese Armed Forces said they responded accordingly.

In a post on X, the MND said, "6 sorties of PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

Meanwhile, China has assigned two to four individuals specialising in Taiwan issues to its embassies in various democratic nations to observe and intimidate Taiwanese, actions that the host countries are unlikely to accept, National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Tsai Ming-yen stated, according to the Taipei Times.

Tsai made these remarks during a session of the legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defence Committee, which requested him and Minister of National Defence Wellington Koo to discuss potential conflicts in the Taiwan Strait and military readiness.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Michelle Lin voiced worries that Beijing has dispatched personnel from China's Taiwan Affairs Office to its embassies abroad to surveil and intimidate Taiwanese businesspeople, expatriates, and exchange students, according to the Taipei Times report.

Tsai acknowledged that China occasionally sends two to four staff members with expertise on Taiwan issues to its foreign embassies, though he could not specify which countries are involved.

The bureau is monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to ensure that Chinese officials do not harass Taiwanese citizens overseas, Tsai said, according to the Taipei Times.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The pattern is clear and concerning. Sending personnel to embassies to intimidate citizens abroad is a new low. The international community, including India, should take note of these coercive tactics.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, our own experiences with border tensions make us wary of such posturing. Dialogue is the only way forward. Escalation helps no one and hurts ordinary people on all sides. 🙏
R
Rohit P
The article seems to only present Taiwan's side. While the incursions are a fact, a more balanced reporting would include Beijing's stated position that these are routine exercises in their own territory. Just saying.
P
Priya S
This constant military activity is so worrying. Many Indian students and professionals are in Taiwan and the region. Stability is needed for everyone's safety and economic growth. Hope cooler heads prevail.
K
Karthik V
The world's focus is elsewhere, but this is a slow-burn crisis. India must carefully navigate its position, supporting the principles of sovereignty and peaceful resolution, as we would expect for our own issues.

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