Taipei, Aug 6
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said on Wednesday that 16 Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels, and one official ship were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Wednesday.
According to Taiwan's MND, eight out of 16 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to Chinese military activity, Taiwan's armed forces monitored the situation and deployed aircraft, naval vessels, and a coastal-based missile system.
"16 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 16 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the MND posted on X.
This latest incursion follows a recent pattern of Chinese military activity near Taiwan. Earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan reported that 12 Chinese military aircraft, five naval vessels and one official ship were tracked operating near Taiwan. According to the statement, Taiwan forces monitored the situation and responded to Chinese military action.
In a post on X, the MND wrote: "12 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."
Similarly, on Monday, the MND stated that five Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and one official ship were spotted operating near Taiwan. According to it, four out of five sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
"5 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 out of 5 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," it said in a statement shared on X.
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), continues to be governed independently since 1949. However, Taiwan continues to face threats from China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory under the "One China" principle, insists on its reunification with Beijing. Despite China's efforts, Taiwan, backed by strong public support, continues to assert its sovereignty and respond to China's incursions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is very concerning. China is behaving like the neighborhood gunda. First they trouble us at LAC, now Taiwan. The world needs to take stronger action against such expansionist policies.
While I support Taiwan's right to self-determination, we must be careful not to escalate tensions. India has enough challenges at our own borders without getting involved in others' conflicts.
China's actions remind me of Pakistan's behavior in Kashmir. Always testing boundaries and creating trouble. The international community should impose stricter sanctions on China for these provocations.
Taiwan should learn from India's experience - stay strong, keep modernizing your military, and don't give an inch to Chinese aggression. Their bullying only increases when they sense weakness.
The media should focus more on Taiwan's successful democracy rather than just China's threats. Their tech industry and democratic values are something we can all learn from. #StandWithTaiwan
China's actions show why QUAD is so important. India, US, Japan and Australia must strengthen cooperation to counter this kind of aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.