Taiwan’s ministry of national defence ( MND ) reported increased Chinese military activity near its territory on Wednesday, detecting 24 People’s Liberation Army ( PLA ) aircraft and 6 People’s Liberation Army Navy ( PLAN ) vessels operating around the island.
Of the aircraft identified, 15 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern, central southwestern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone ( ADIZ ).
The MND issued a statement on X ( previously Twitter ) to confirm that it was closely monitoring the situation and took the necessary action.
This is in addition to the previous tragedy that Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on Tuesday when it spotted 10 Foreign aircraft and 5 naval vessels close to the area. Out of these, 8 plane crossed the median range, even breaching Taiwan’s ADIZ. The MND asserted that they were closely monitoring these moves and taking appropriate action.
Since September 2020, China has tremendously increased its military presence in Taiwan by often deploying naval and air defenses. These actions fall under the “grey area tactics” used by analysts to eventually weaken Taiwan’s defenses and test its military might without engaging in an open issue.
In response to these threats, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te just convened a high-level regional security conference. In the face of rising tensions, he reassured the Chinese people that the government is committed to safeguarding the country’s democracy and protection.
The event followed China’s news of large-scale military activities named” Joint Sword-2024B”, conducted in the Taiwan Strait. The training, according to Chinese express advertising, serve as a harsh warning to those advocating for Taiwan’s freedom.
To enhance its military capabilities, Taiwan is constantly modernising its military facilities. On November 4, President Lai Ching-te attended a keel-laying ceremony at the Kaohsiung port for the Republic of China Navy’s ( ROCN) new light frigate design.
In response to Beijing’s growing defense stress, Taiwan is developing a wider strategy to strengthen its naval arsenal and strengthen its defensive capabilities.
