Taiwan Reports Chinese Military Activity Near Its Borders Amid Heightened Tensions

Taipei [Taiwan], October 29, 2024: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported an increase in Chinese military activity around the island early Tuesday, noting the presence of six Chinese aircraft and nine naval vessels in the area as of 6 a.m. local time. The MND also confirmed that four of the aircraft had crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Sharing updates on X, Taiwan’s MND stated, “6 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

This follows similar activity from earlier in the week when Taiwan reported the detection of 22 Chinese aircraft and seven naval vessels, with 16 aircraft crossing the median line into Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ zones. Taiwan’s MND said in an earlier post on X, “22 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 17 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ.”

In light of China’s frequent military exercises, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te recently held a high-level national security meeting, assuring the public of the government’s firm commitment to defending Taiwan’s democracy and national security. His response came after the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched large-scale military drills dubbed “Joint Sword-2024B” in the Taiwan Strait and nearby areas—a move characterized by Chinese authorities as a “stern warning” to Taiwan independence advocates, according to The Taipei Times.

Taiwan has maintained self-governance since 1949, although China regards it as a part of its territory, pledging eventual reunification, by force if necessary. The latest maneuvers underscore the ongoing tensions as Taiwan monitors Beijing’s increased military activity near its borders.