Taipei

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported 13 Chinese military aircraft sorties and six naval vessels operating near its waters as of 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Of the 13 sorties, 11 crossed the median line into Taiwan’s northern and southwestern air defense identification zones (ADIZ). The ministry said it monitored the situation closely and responded accordingly.

Earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan detected two Chinese aircraft sorties along with six naval vessels, both crossing the median line into the ADIZ. The MND emphasized ongoing vigilance and defensive measures.

The recent activity comes amid heightened regional tensions. Beijing regards Taiwan as part of China and maintains that reunification, including by force if necessary, is a historic mission. Chinese authorities insist peaceful reunification remains the goal but continue military operations near Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea have agreed to resume bilateral naval search-and-rescue exercises for the first time in nine years. The move reflects growing security concerns over China and North Korea and aims to strengthen military cooperation between the US allies in the region.

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have further strained after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could justify Japanese military action. China has consistently opposed such remarks, reiterating that Taiwan is an indivisible part of its territory.

Taiwan continues to monitor Chinese military activity closely, emphasizing readiness and coordinated defense measures. Analysts say such sorties serve as both a show of force and a warning amid ongoing cross-strait tensions, reinforcing the fragile security environment in the Taiwan Strait.