Taiwan’s Defence Ministry detects 14 Chinese aircraft, 12 naval vessels around country
Taipei, Taiwan—On October 21st, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported a surge in China’s military presence near Taiwan, observing 14 aircraft and 12 naval vessels in the vicinity by 6 am local time.
The MND disclosed that seven planes breached the median line and encroached into Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Consequently, the ROC Armed Forces initiated responsive actions by deploying Combat Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems.
According to a recent announcement on X platform, the Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan reported the detection of 14 aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and 12 vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) around Taiwan up to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Among these, 7 aircraft breached the median line and intruded into Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The authorities have been vigilant, closely monitoring the developments and taking appropriate responsive measures.
On October 20, the military of Taiwan reported the passage of naval vessels from the United States and Canada through the Taiwan Strait, moving in a northward direction.
MND mentioned in a separate article that a single American and one Canadian naval ship navigated the Taiwan Strait in a northward direction. Throughout this event, the #ROCArmedForces retained complete authority over the adjacent waters and skies, ensuring that the circumstances remained unaltered.
Part of the ongoing conflict between Taiwan and China, the recent military maneuvers by China have added to the escalating tensions in the region, characterized by frequent military movements by Beijing near the island.
Since 1949, Taiwan has maintained its independent governance, yet China asserts its claim over Taiwan, viewing it as part of its territory, and remains resolute on achieving reunification, even if it means resorting to force.
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan provided reassurance to the public this week regarding the government’s commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy and national security, amidst significant military maneuvers conducted by China near the island.
Following a high-level national security meeting, he issued his comments in reaction to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) declaring military exercises, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024B,” in the Taiwan Strait and nearby regions. These drills were characterized as a direct caution to proponents of Taiwan’s independence, as reported by the Taipei Times.
Just four days following Lai’s inaugural Double Ten National Day speech, where he emphasized that China lacks the authority to speak for Taiwan and highlighted the independent nature of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, China declared these exercises.
According to Lai, Beijing’s initiation of military drills aimed to intimidate neighboring nations and disturb peace and stability in the region goes against the international community’s hopes. He pledged that the authorities will stand firm in safeguarding Taiwan’s free and democratic constitutional framework from external coercion. (Source: ANI)
