Taipei
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported significant Chinese military activity around its territory on Saturday. The MND detected 12 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, five People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and one official ship operating near Taiwan. Nine of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
The increased Chinese military presence has raised concerns in Taiwan. Just the previous day, the MND had reported 11 PLA aircraft and five PLAN vessels operating around the island, with seven of the aircraft crossing into Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. Taiwan’s military has been closely monitoring these activities and responded accordingly.
Since September 2020, China has ramped up military operations in the region, using what are known as “grey zone” tactics to pressure Taiwan. The increased activity coincides with heightened tensions following the announcement of China’s large-scale military drills, “Joint Sword-2024B,” aimed at intimidating those advocating for Taiwan’s independence.
In response to these threats, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has reassured the public of the government’s commitment to defend Taiwan’s democracy and security. On November 4, President Lai attended the keel-laying ceremony for a new light frigate for Taiwan’s Navy, further emphasizing the island’s modernization efforts to bolster its defense capabilities.
