Taiwan Reports Increased Chinese Military Activity

Taipei [Taiwan], November 11: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported heightened Chinese military activity around its borders on Monday, detecting seven aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and five naval vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) near Taiwan. Two of these aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan’s MND.

In an official post on X, the MND stated, “7 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

This escalation follows recent military maneuvers from China. On Sunday, Taiwan reported similar activity with nine PLA aircraft, five PLAN vessels, and one official ship in the area, with six of these aircraft crossing into Taiwan’s ADIZ.

Since September 2020, China has ramped up its military presence around Taiwan, frequently deploying aircraft and vessels as part of its grey zone tactics aimed at asserting pressure on Taiwan. In response, Taiwan has closely monitored each incident, reinforcing its defense protocols.

Amid these rising tensions, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security conference, reassuring the public of the government’s commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy and neutralizing any security threats. The meeting was called in reaction to China’s recent large-scale military drills, known as “Joint Sword-2024B,” in the Taiwan Strait. According to Chinese sources, the drills serve as a “stern warning” to proponents of Taiwan’s independence.

In a continued effort to modernize Taiwan’s defense capabilities, President Lai attended a keel-laying ceremony for a new light frigate prototype for the Taiwanese Navy, known as the Republic of China Navy (ROCN), at Kaohsiung shipyard on November 4.