Taipei
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported an increase in Chinese military activity around the island on Wednesday. The MND detected 17 aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and seven vessels from the Chinese Navy (PLAN) operating near Taiwan. Of the aircraft, 10 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ).
This follows a rise in Chinese incursions into Taiwan’s air and maritime spaces, prompting Taiwan to boost its security along its borders. On Tuesday, Taiwan’s MND detected five PLA aircraft, seven PLAN vessels, and one official ship near its waters. Four of the aircraft crossed the median line, again entering Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ.
In response, Taiwan has strengthened its defense measures. Earlier this week, President Lai Ching-te attended the completion ceremony for the new ROCN Shuei-Sing Barracks, which will house Taiwan’s Navy Underwater Operations Unit and support its training operations.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also expressed appreciation for the recent joint statement from the US, Japan, and Australia, calling for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The statement followed the 14th Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Darwin, Australia, where defense ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional security.
