Taipei [Taiwan], November 29: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported a significant uptick in Chinese military activity around the island on Friday, detecting over 30 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and eight People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels operating in the vicinity.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the MND revealed:
“33 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 21 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Military Drills Amid Rising Incursions
The rise in Chinese military activity comes as Beijing reportedly prepares for its third large-scale military exercise, Joint Sword-2024C, near Taiwan. In response, Taiwan conducted a comprehensive air defense drill on Thursday to bolster its readiness against potential aerial and missile threats.
The two-hour exercise, held from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., involved Taiwan’s air, naval, and missile defense units. According to Taiwan News, the drills featured aircraft such as the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16s, and C-130 transport planes, alongside ground-based missile systems.
Strengthening Defense Capabilities
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, addressing the growing regional tension, attended the completion ceremony of the #ROCN Shuei-Sing Barracks. The facility will house the Taiwanese Navy Underwater Operations Unit and is expected to enhance Taiwan’s defense training capabilities.
President Lai also convened a high-level national security conference to reassure the public of Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its democracy and security. He condemned the PLA’s large-scale military drills, including the recently announced Joint Sword-2024B exercises in the Taiwan Strait, which Beijing described as a “stern warning” to Taiwan independence advocates.
Rising Regional Tensions
Chinese military incursions around Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) have been steadily increasing, drawing global attention to the escalating tensions in the region. Taiwan’s leadership has reiterated its resolve to maintain its sovereignty while enhancing its defense capabilities amid growing pressure from Beijing.
