Taiwan reported detecting 19 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating near its territory as of 6 a.m. local time on Friday.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND), 15 of the 19 aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft and naval ships and activated coastal-based missile systems to keep a close watch on the situation.
"19 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. today. 15 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," Taiwan's MND said in a post on X.
This incident is part of the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with China frequently conducting military operations in the area. Taiwan has maintained its independence since 1949, while China views the island as part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, possibly by force.
Earlier this week, President Lai Ching-te reassured the public of the government’s commitment to defending Taiwan's democracy and national security following extensive Chinese military exercises around the island. He shared his comments on Facebook after a high-level national security meeting in response to the PLA's announcement of military drills called "Joint Sword-2024B" in the Taiwan Strait. These drills were characterized as a "stern warning" to those advocating for Taiwanese independence.
China announced these military exercises just four days after Lai's Double Ten National Day speech, in which he asserted that China has "no right to represent Taiwan" and stressed that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are "not subordinate" to one another. He accused Beijing of conducting military exercises to intimidate neighboring countries and disrupt regional peace, contrary to the international community's expectations. Lai emphasized that the government will continue to defend Taiwan’s free and democratic constitutional system against external pressures.
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