Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said on Friday that it detected 19 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating around its territory. Of the 19 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 15 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The movements were tracked by Taiwan until 6 a.m. local time, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two sides.
In retaliation, Taiwan has deployed aircraft and naval ships and a coastal-based missile system to keep an eye on Chinese incursion. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence has released a statement on social media X, stating that 19 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels were noticed by Taiwan till early morning. Fifteen of the aircraft have crossed the median line and have entered Taiwan. They are currently surveying the situation and will take action appropriately.
This recent development of the incursion is part of the ongoing crisis between China and Taiwan. Several earlier reports have mentioned about the military activity being carried over by China near its territory.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has recently given assurance to its public about the country’s commitment towards protecting democracy along with national security against China’s military activities. He made this announcement on Facebook after conducting a high-level meeting on the security of the country in counter to Beijing’s military drill declaration with the name ‘’JointSword2034B’’ in the Taiwan Strait.
China-Taiwan tension
Since 1949, Taiwan has been ruled independently but China still regards the country as part of its own and wishes to reunite even if it has to be done forcefully.
The Taiwan President recently delivered his first Double Ten National Day speech in which he asserted that China has ‘’no right to represent Taiwan’’ and mentioned none of them is inferior to the other. China announced the military drills just four days after the president gave the speech.
Ching-te pointed out that China has launched the military exercise to frighten the neighbouring countries and to disturb the peace and harmony of the region.
(With inputs from ANI)