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 confirmed that it closely monitored the situation and took necessary responsive actions, issuing a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
This escalation follows a similar incident on Tuesday when Taiwan’s defence ministry detected 10 Chinese aircraft and 5 naval vessels near the island. Out of these, 8 aircraft crossed the median line, also breaching Taiwan’s ADIZ. The MND reiterated that they were monitoring these movements and responding appropriately.
China has significantly ramped up its military presence around Taiwan since September 2020, frequently deploying aircraft and naval vessels in a show of force. These actions are part of what analysts describe as “grey zone tactics,” aimed at gradually wearing down Taiwan’s defences and testing its military response without engaging in open conflict.
In response to these provocations, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te recently convened a high-level national security meeting. He reassured the Taiwanese public of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s democracy and security amid rising tensions.
The conference followed China’s announcement of large-scale military exercises named “Joint Sword-2024B,” conducted in the Taiwan Strait. The drills, according to Chinese state media, serve as a stern warning to those advocating for Taiwan’s independence.
To strengthen its defence capabilities, Taiwan is actively modernising its military infrastructure. On November 4, President Lai Ching-te attended a keel-laying ceremony at the Kaohsiung shipyard for the Republic of China Navy’s (ROCN) new light frigate prototype.
This development is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to bolster its naval strength and enhance its defensive capabilities in the face of growing military pressure from Beijing.