In a continued escalation of tensions, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported a persistent and increased presence of Chinese military aircraft and naval ships operating around the island nation. Between 6 am (local time) on Thursday and 6 am (local time) on Friday, eight People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and five naval vessels were detected, prompting Taiwan to respond swiftly.
According to the MND, two PLA aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the northeast sector of the country’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), while one entered the southwest corner of the ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft and naval ships, alongside air defence missile systems, to monitor and respond to the activities of the Chinese PLA.
This incident follows a pattern of increased gray zone tactics by China since September 2020, involving a gradual escalation in the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating in close proximity to Taiwan. Gray zone tactics are described as efforts beyond steady-state deterrence, aiming to achieve security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force.
Thursday’s incident marked the detection of 33 Chinese military aircraft and six naval ships around Taiwan, with 14 of the aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait into Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ. Taiwan’s armed forces remained vigilant, monitoring the situation and deploying appropriate forces to respond, as confirmed by the MND’s statement on social media.
In a related development, Taiwan’s Marine Corps conducted a maritime drill at the Zuoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung on Wednesday. The drill featured a mine-laying ship and a domestically built assault boat, simulating maritime surveillance and combat operations to prepare for a potential defense against a Chinese invasion. The exercises, held in waters around Zuoying Harbour, aimed to test the Marine Corps’ ability to quickly identify Chinese military movements, assess combat preparedness, and enhance overall capability.
As tensions in the region continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The latest developments underscore the need for diplomatic efforts to address and defuse the growing tensions between Taiwan and China.
