Did Taiwan Detect 31 Chinese Aircraft and 7 Warships in Its Territory?
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Synopsis
Taiwan's heightened vigilance is evident as they detect multiple Chinese military aircraft and warships, raising concerns over regional peace. This incident is just one of many as tensions continue to escalate in the Taiwan Strait.
Key Takeaways
- 31 Chinese aircraft were detected, with 30 crossing into Taiwan's airspace.
- 7 Chinese warships were reported operating near Taiwan.
- The Taiwanese military is on high alert and monitoring the situation closely.
- China's satellite launch posed no threat to Taiwan.
- US military presence in the Taiwan Strait remains strong.
Taipei, May 13 (NationPress) Taiwan reported on Tuesday that it detected 31 Chinese aircraft—of which 30 crossed the median line of the strait and entered both the northern and southwestern airspace—along with 7 Chinese warships and one official vessel actively operating around the Taiwan Strait.
The Taiwanese military deployed mission aircraft, naval vessels, and shore-based missile systems to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
The Ministry of National Defence announced on X: "31 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval vessels, and 1 official ship were identified around Taiwan by 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Out of these, 30 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone."
Additionally, the defence ministry noted that China conducted a satellite launch mission that traversed central Taiwan towards the western Pacific Ocean, clarifying that the altitude of the launch is outside the atmosphere and poses no threat to Taiwan.
The satellite launch took place from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in Sichuan Province, China, during the early hours of Tuesday.
The ministry stated, "At 02:09 (UTC+8) today, China launched satellites from XSLC, with the trajectory passing over central Taiwan towards the Western Pacific. The altitude is beyond the atmosphere, thus posing no danger. The Taiwanese Armed Forces monitored the event and remain prepared to respond appropriately."
Last month, Taiwan condemned China's military drills after detecting 19 Chinese Navy ships near Taipei, asserting that Beijing's actions threaten regional stability.
The defence ministry characterized these maneuvers as a disruption of the status quo and indicated that it had deployed military vessels and aircraft in response to these threats.
Taiwanese President Lai branded China a "foreign hostile force" and has intensified national security measures amid escalating threats and multiple spying incidents.
China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory, insisting on reunification with the mainland, potentially by force. In recent years, Beijing has amplified military drills in the Taiwan Strait, increasing pressure on Taiwan.
Conversely, the US and its allies regard the Taiwan Strait as an international waterway and routinely send warships through it, reinforcing their presence in the Indo-Pacific region and countering China's growing influence.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. Our position remains steadfast in support of Taiwan's sovereignty while recognizing the complexities of regional security dynamics. The detection of Chinese military assets is alarming and requires a proactive approach to ensure peace and stability.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What military assets did Taiwan detect?
Taiwan detected 31 Chinese aircraft and 7 Chinese warships, along with one official ship operating near its territory.
What actions did Taiwan take in response?
Taiwan deployed mission aircraft, naval vessels, and missile systems to monitor and respond to the situation.
Did the satellite launch pose a threat to Taiwan?
No, the satellite launch conducted by China passed through the atmosphere at an altitude that posed no threat to Taiwan.
How has Taiwan responded to China's military exercises?
Taiwan has condemned China's military exercises and characterized them as provocations that threaten regional peace.
What is the stance of the US regarding the Taiwan Strait?
The US and its allies view the Taiwan Strait as an international waterway and routinely send warships to assert their influence in the region.
