5 months ago
25
NEW DELHI:
Taiwan
's ministry of national defence released a statement on Saturday disclosing a significant Chinese military presence near Taiwan. The ministry reported that as of 6 am (UTC+8), 15 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and 6 Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were detected in the area surrounding Taiwan.
Alarmingly, 9 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the
Taiwan Strait
, violating Taiwan's Southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (SW ADIZ) and entering its airspace.
This action is considered provocative and highlights the increasing tensions between Taiwan and China.
"15
PLA aircraft
and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's SW ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," said Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Saturday.
The Republic of China Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces) have closely monitored the situation and taken appropriate measures in response to the detected presence. However, the specifics of these actions were not provided in the statement.
The heightened activity in the Taiwan Strait area occurs amid escalating geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China.
China has long considered Taiwan a breakaway province and has expressed its intention to reunify the island with the mainland, even if it requires the use of force.
The presence of PLA military assets near Taiwan remains a delicate matter, raising concerns about potential escalations in the region. Taiwan's government has consistently sought international support and attention to maintain stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Since September 2020, China has increased its use of "grey zone tactics," deploying more military aircraft and naval vessels in the vicinity of Taiwan.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), grey zone tactics are defined as "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force."
