Taiwan reports that Chinese activity near its airspace has increased and is responding quickly

ANI |
Updated: May 8, 2024 10:04 am IST

Taipei (Taiwan), May 8 (ANI): Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday confirmed increased activity of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near Taiwan’s airspace and waters.
According to the ministry, 16 PLA aircraft and 6 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 a.m. local time.
Of these, eight aircraft breached Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern air defense identification zones (ADIZ). The Taiwan Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces) closely monitored the situation and responded immediately.
The presence of PLA assets near Taiwan is a source of tension in the region, as Taiwan continues to assert its sovereignty amid Beijing’s increasing military maneuvers. Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense emphasized the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring Taiwan’s security and stability.
The details of Taiwan’s response to the recent PLA activity were not disclosed, but the ministry reiterated its commitment to defending Taiwan’s airspace and territorial integrity.
“16 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected until 6am (UTC+8) today. 8 of the aircraft entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have been monitoring the situation and responding accordingly,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. National Defense in a message on X, on Wednesday.

A day ago, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said on Tuesday that 10 aircraft and five ships of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were operating in Taiwanese waters and airspace until 6 a.m. (UTC+8). .
Notably, four of the aircraft crossed the center line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
The incidents underscore ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing regularly conducting military maneuvers and exercises near the self-governing island. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, maintains its autonomy despite Chinese claims of sovereignty over the island.
The Ministry of Defense did not provide further details on the specific type of aircraft or vessel involved in the recent activity, nor did it disclose any specific actions taken by ROC forces in response to the situation.
The presence of PLA military assets near Taiwan remains a sensitive issue, raising concerns about possible escalations in the region. The Taiwanese government has consistently called for international support and attention to ensure stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of “gray zone tactics” by operating more military aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan.
According to CSIS, gray zone tactics are defined as “an effort or set of efforts that goes beyond stable deterrence and assurance and that seeks to achieve one’s security objectives without resorting to direct and extensive use of force.” (ANI)