Taiwan's Defense Forces Spot Significant Chinese Military Activity in Nearby Waters
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Synopsis
Taiwan's defense forces have identified significant Chinese military activity near its waters, comprising 10 naval vessels, 5 aircraft, and 2 official ships. This escalation is part of China's ongoing military presence in the Taiwan Strait, prompting Taiwan to reaffirm its commitment to regional security and collaboration with allied nations.
Key Takeaways
- Detection of 10 Chinese naval vessels.
- 5 Chinese military aircraft spotted.
- 2 official ships reported in Taiwanese waters.
- 3 aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line.
- China's military presence poses a threat to regional peace.
Taipei, Feb 24 (NationPress) On Monday, Taiwan announced the detection of 10 Chinese naval vessels, five military aircraft, and two official ships operating in its waters from 6 a.m. (local time) on Sunday to 6 a.m. on Monday, according to reports from local media.
The Ministry of Defence of Taiwan noted that three of the five Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line within the country's southwestern and southeastern air defence identification zone.
The ministry also revealed that it monitored two Chinese balloons flying to the north and over central Taiwan, as reported by Taiwan News.
“5 sorties of PLA aircraft, 10 PLAN vessels, and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. 2 PRC balloons were detected during this timeframe,” stated Taiwan's Ministry of Defence on X.
The median line is recognized as an unofficial boundary separating Taiwan and China. However, China consistently disputes the legitimacy of this line, frequently crossing it to reinforce its military presence in the Taiwan Strait.
“As authoritarian regimes expand their influence, Taiwan will continue to collaborate with like-minded nations such as Japan, the US, and the European Union to promote regional and global peace and prosperity,” the Office of the President of Taiwan recently stated.
During a recent gathering in Taiwan, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim reaffirmed the nation's resolve to defend itself and called upon allies and partners to support global peace and prosperity.
“Taiwan is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” she was quoted as stating by Taiwan's leading daily, Taipei Times.
Earlier, while dismissing China's claims over the Taiwan Strait, the country's defence ministry expressed on social media, “The Taiwan Strait is by no means under Chinese sovereignty! The freedom of navigation upheld by like-minded nations affirms its legal status. China's military actions against Taiwan and its neighbors only reinforce that the PRC is the greatest threat to regional peace and stability.”
