Taiwan's Defense Ministry has reported a significant uptick in Chinese military aircraft and vessels operating near Taiwan, with 15 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels spotted. Of particular concern is the breach of Taiwan's SW ADIZ by 9 aircraft. Taiwan's Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation and responding accordingly. This escalation highlights the increasing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as a renegade province. The heightened activity comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, with China ramping up its "grey zone tactics" in the vicinity of Taiwan.

On Saturday, Taiwan's Defense Ministry issued a statement revealing a notable presence of Chinese military aircraft and vessels in the area surrounding Taiwan.

According to the ministry, as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) that day, a total of 15 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels were observed operating around Taiwan.

Of particular concern is the revelation that 9 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, breaching Taiwan's Southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (SW ADIZ) and entering its airspace. Such airspace violations are seen as provocative actions, further escalating tensions between Taiwan and China.

In response to this detected presence, Taiwan's Armed Forces, represented by the Republic of China Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces), have closely monitored the situation and initiated appropriate responses. However, the specifics of these responses were not disclosed in the statement.

The increased activity in the Taiwan Strait region comes amidst growing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China. Beijing has long considered Taiwan a renegade province and has repeatedly expressed intentions to reunify it with the mainland, even if by force.

"15 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's SW ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," said Taiwan's Defense Ministry on Saturday.

The presence of PLA military assets near Taiwan continues to be a sensitive issue, raising concerns over potential escalations in the region. The Taiwanese government has consistently called for international support and attention to ensure stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of "grey zone tactics" by deploying more military aircraft and naval ships near Taiwan.

According to CSIS, grey zone tactics are defined as "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resorting to direct and sizable use of force."

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