Taiwan – Chinese Aircraft and Naval Ships Detected Near Island Waters
Taiwan – Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said it detected five Chinese military aircraft sorties, six naval vessels and five official ships operating around the island by 6 am local time on Thursday.
Two of the five aircraft sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the southwestern section of Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone, or ADIZ, according to the ministry. Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the movements and responded as required.
Military activity reported near Taiwan
The ministry shared the details in a post on X, stating that aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army, vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy and official Chinese ships had been tracked around Taiwan’s surrounding waters and airspace.
The median line has long served as an informal buffer in the Taiwan Strait, although Beijing does not recognise it as an official boundary. Crossings by Chinese aircraft have become more frequent in recent years, prompting Taiwan to regularly dispatch aircraft, naval units and air defence systems to monitor the situation.
Taiwan’s defence authorities did not report any immediate escalation or unusual incident linked to Thursday’s activity. However, the latest detection came a day after a larger Chinese presence was reported around the island.
Higher number of aircraft detected a day earlier
On Wednesday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said it had tracked 13 Chinese military aircraft sorties, 10 naval vessels and three official ships near Taiwan.
Nine of those aircraft crossed the median line and entered parts of Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ, the ministry said. Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the activity and took appropriate response measures.
The repeated operations reflect continuing military pressure by China around Taiwan. Taipei has regularly released daily updates on Chinese aircraft and vessels operating near its airspace and waters, particularly when aircraft cross the median line or enter the ADIZ.
An ADIZ is not the same as a country’s sovereign airspace. It is an area where aircraft may be identified and monitored for security purposes before approaching national airspace.
Taiwan submarine continues sea trials
The developments also come as Taiwan advances its domestic submarine programme. Earlier in June, Taiwan’s first locally built submarine left the Port of Kaohsiung for another round of sea trials, including dive tests, Focus Taiwan reported.
Citing the Military News Agency, the report said the latest exercise was the submarine’s 15th sea trial and its ninth test involving submerged navigation. The programme is considered an important part of Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its maritime defence capabilities.
Taiwan has been working to modernise its military as China expands its naval and air operations in the region. The island has also focused on improving coastal defence systems, surveillance capabilities and readiness for possible security challenges in the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing and Taipei maintain opposing positions
China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it seeks eventual reunification. Beijing’s position is based on historical, political and legal claims that form part of its official national policy.
Taiwan, however, operates with its own elected government, armed forces, economy and administrative system. It maintains that its future should be decided by its people.
The issue remains one of the most sensitive geopolitical disputes in Asia. It also continues to shape regional security discussions involving major powers and neighbouring countries.
China’s historical claim over Taiwan dates back to 1683, when the Qing Dynasty took control of the island after defeating forces loyal to Ming-era leader Koxinga. The question of Taiwan’s modern political status has remained unresolved since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.