Taiwan reported that 29 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and one official ship were detected near its territory between 6 a.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND), 29 aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation.
In a statement shared on X, Taiwan's MND noted, "Twenty of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."
This incident is part of a series of recent provocations by China, which has been increasing its military activities around Taiwan, including frequent air and naval incursions and military exercises near the island. Since September 2020, China has been using "gray zone" tactics, characterized by increasing military operations near Taiwan without engaging in direct conflict.
Taiwan, governed independently since 1949, continues to face pressure from China, which claims the island as part of its territory and seeks reunification, by force if necessary. Earlier this month, Lin Yu-Chang, Secretary-General of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty, stating that it is "inviolable." Speaking at an event in San Francisco, he reaffirmed the right of the Taiwanese people to determine their own future.
During his current 13-day visit to the U.S., Lin highlighted Taiwan's growing importance in the global arena, particularly in light of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War. He reiterated that bipartisan support for Taiwan remains strong in the U.S., reflecting shared values of democracy and freedom.
Lin, who previously served as Taiwan’s interior minister, is visiting key U.S. cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Houston. While he did not disclose details of his meetings with U.S. officials, he acknowledged the sensitive nature of the discussions, especially given the upcoming U.S. presidential election and ongoing tensions with China.
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