Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) recently reported that 41 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels were detected near Taiwan within a 24-hour timeframe. Notably, 32 of these aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, prompting Taiwan to take immediate action by deploying its own aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to closely monitor the situation.

According to the MND, the Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan's air defence identification zones (ADIZ) in the north, central, southwest, and east regions of the island. Taiwan's defence forces responded swiftly, taking necessary steps to ensure the nation's security.

In a statement released on X, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said, "41 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. today. 32 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

The previous day, China had sent 43 military aircraft and eight naval vessels towards Taiwan, with 34 of these aircraft crossing the median line into the southwestern and eastern ADIZ. These incursions included fighter jets, drones, and helicopters, escalating tensions in the region.

China's increasing military presence near Taiwan, including frequent air and naval activities, has raised concerns. In September 2020, China began intensifying its use of "gray zone" tactics, which involve exerting pressure without engaging in open conflict. This approach aims to advance China's security goals without triggering direct military confrontation.

So far this month, Taiwan has tracked a total of 407 Chinese military aircraft and 206 naval vessels operating in the area. Taiwan, which has been self-governing since 1949, faces growing pressure from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.

Earlier this year, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te accused China of misusing a United Nations resolution to justify its military activities against Taiwan, linking it to the "One China" principle. Beijing continues to assert that the UN resolution supports its claim that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a stance Taiwan firmly rejects.

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