Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Saturday that nine Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels were detected operating around the nation from 6 am (local time) on Friday to 6 am (local time) on Saturday. This comes as tensions rise in the region amid frequent encounters between the two sides.
Responding to the Chinese activity, Taiwan promptly monitored the situation and deployed combat patrol aircraft, naval vessels, and coastal missile systems, according to a statement from Taiwan’s MND. In a post on X, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence stated, “9 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Earlier in the week, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported detecting 26 Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels operating around the nation. Among the aircraft, 14 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, while others encroached into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), reported Taiwan News.
Taiwan has been closely monitoring such activities, utilizing its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. In response to China’s maneuvers, Taiwan has been deploying combat patrol aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based air defense missile systems, according to Taiwan’s MND.
May has seen a surge in Chinese military activity, with Taiwan’s MND detecting Chinese military aircraft 30 times and naval vessels 16 times. This escalation follows China’s increased use of “gray zone tactics” since September 2020, involving more frequent military aircraft and naval ship operations around Taiwan, according to Taiwan News.
In response to these developments, Taiwan is bolstering its defense capabilities. Taiwan’s MND has stated that the country is in the peak period of weapon acquisition to strengthen its integrated “kill chain” functionality and deter potential Chinese aggression. The “kill chain” refers to a sequence of tactical steps or processes involved in military operations, from identifying targets to engaging and neutralizing them.
Moreover, Taiwan’s military is actively sharing information about the Indo-Pacific region with allied countries to construct a regionally integrated deterrence force. The MND submitted a report titled “Taiwan’s Latest Defense Military Preparation and Strategic Actions in the Face of the International Warfare Situation” to the Legislative Yuan, highlighting efforts to enhance regional cooperation and security.
The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Taiwan remaining vigilant and actively enhancing its defense capabilities to ensure its sovereignty and security in the region.
