Fri, 12 Jun 2026 · LIVE
Updated Dec 25, 2025 · 06:56
World News Updated Dec 25, 2025

Taiwan Tracks Chinese Military Sorties as Beijing Expands "Core Interests"

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected multiple Chinese military assets operating around the island, with several aircraft crossing the median line into its Air Defence Identification Zone. This comes as a Pentagon report to the US Congress outlines China's expanded definition of its "core interests," which now explicitly includes Taiwan. The report also notes Beijing's claims over other disputed territories like Arunachal Pradesh in India, linking them to China's national rejuvenation goals. These developments highlight ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait as part of Beijing's broader strategic ambitions.

Taiwan detects six Chinese aircraft, eight naval vessels, one ship around nation

Taipei, December 25

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected six sorties of Chinese aircraft, eight naval vessels and one ship operating around the country as of 6 am on Thursday.

As per the MND, of the six sorties, two crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

"Six sorties of PLA aircraft, eight PLAN vessels and one official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am (UTC+8) today. Two out of six sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry said in a X post.

Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected five sorties of Chinese aircraft, eight naval vessels and one ship operating around the country as of 6 am (local time).

As per the MND, of the five sorties, one crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

"Five sorties of PLA aircraft, eight PLAN vessels and one official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am (UTC+8) today. One out of five sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry said in a X post.

Meanwhile, a Pentagon report submitted to the US Congress has flagged China's claim over India's Arunachal Pradesh as part of its stated "core interests", underscoring Beijing's broader national strategy aimed at achieving the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" by 2049.

The report notes that China's leadership has expanded the scope of its "core interests" to include Taiwan, sovereignty claims and maritime disputes in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Chinese officials have described the unification of China and contested territories, particularly Taiwan, as a "natural requirement" for national rejuvenation.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Sarah B

The Pentagon report linking Taiwan to Arunachal Pradesh is very revealing. It shows how China's "core interests" are not just about Taiwan but part of a broader strategy. India needs to watch this closely and strengthen partnerships with other democracies in the Indo-Pacific. 🇮🇳

Rohit P

Daily sorties, crossing median lines... this constant pressure on Taiwan is unacceptable. It creates instability for the whole region. We have our own experience with Chinese incursions in Ladakh. The world needs to call out this bullying behavior more firmly.

Priyanka N

While we must condemn any threat to Taiwan's peace, I hope our media and government also focus equally on developing Arunachal Pradesh and integrating it fully. Infrastructure and connectivity are our best response to baseless territorial claims. Jai Hind!

Michael C

Respectfully, the article seems to conflate two separate issues to create a certain narrative. Taiwan's status is governed by historical agreements different from the Arunachal Pradesh situation. As a neutral observer, I think dialogue and de-escalation should be the priority for all parties involved.

Kavya N

Arunachal Pradesh is and will always be an integral part of India. China including it in its "core interests" is a joke. Their actions near Taiwan show they respect no boundaries. We need to be vigilant and support our armed forces. 🙏

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

Reader Voices

Leave a comment

Be kind. Add to the conversation. 0/50
Thank you — your comment has been submitted.
JS blocked