Taiwan reports surge in Chinese military activity near Taiwan Strait

The MND stated that 31 of the 36 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, southeastern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor and respond to China's military maneuvers.

"36 PLA aircraft and 12 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 31 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, southeastern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” The MND said in a statement on X.

This latest activity follows a pattern of increased military presence by China around Taiwan. So far in August, Taiwan has detected PLA aircraft 71 times and Chinese ships 36 times, as reported by Taiwan News. Since September 2020, China has intensified its gray zone tactics—operations aimed at achieving strategic objectives without direct, sizable use of force—by increasing the number of military incursions into areas surrounding Taiwan.

Gray zone tactics, as described by Taiwan News, involve efforts that exceed regular deterrence and assurance, aiming to secure strategic goals without escalating to full-scale conflict.

In a related incident, Taiwan’s MND reported another surge in Chinese military activity on Saturday morning. The Ministry detected 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 naval vessels near the Taiwan Strait as of 6 am local time. Among these, 11 PLA aircraft breached the median line, entering Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. Taiwan’s military responded promptly to these incursions.

"18 PLA aircraft and 13 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” the MND stated in another update on X.

These incidents add to the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949, but China views Taiwan as part of its territory, advocating for reunification by force if necessary. The increase in Chinese military activities around Taiwan highlights the growing geopolitical tensions in the region. (ILKHA)